Cell-free RNA

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Circulating cell-free RNA (cfRNA) are RNA molecules that float freely in body fluids like blood (plasma or serum), urine, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and pleural fluid. These RNAs exist outside cells, unlike the RNA that works inside cells. They can be released when cells secrete material or die. cfRNA is part of the larger group called extracellular RNA (exRNA). Recently, cfRNA has shown promise as a non-invasive biomarker in liquid biopsies, helping diagnose, monitor, and predict many health conditions.