The extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues is an assembly of insoluble macromolecules that specifically interact with soluble bioactive molecules and regulate their distribution and availability to cells.
Furthermore, isolated integrin β tails can activate downstream signaling molecules and regulate actin cytoskeleton assembly [5].
The ability of circulating snc RNAs to act as signaling molecules and regulate a broad spectrum of cellular functions implicates them as key players in the aging process.
[ 50, 51] Integrins are important dimeric cell adhesion molecules, which can interact with extracellular matrix molecules and regulate cytoskeletal reorganization, motility, spreading and adhesion [ 52].
The ROS are generated during mitochondrial oxidative metabolism as well as in cellular response to pathogens, which act as signaling molecules and regulate various physiological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration [ 6- 8].
If conserved uORF peptides can regulate mORF levels in response to small molecules, they are clearly analogous to RNA sensors and riboswitches that sense small molecules and regulate transcript translation accordingly [ 28, 54].
