Abstract: Objective To explore the expression and localization of nucleic acid substances in red blood cells (RBCs). Methods Firstly, healthy human RBCs were selected as experimental samples (A549 nucleated cell line as control). Cellular chemical staining methods and in situ hybridization techniques were used to detect DNA and RNA, and to clarify the expression of nucleic acid substances in RBCs. Secondly, We extracted microvesicles (MVs) derived from RBCs and co-cultured them with the highly phagocytic mouse monocyte macrophage line RAW264.7 to detect the localization of RBC specific miRNA (miR-451a) in the receptor cell RAW264.7 by in situ hybridization staining. Results Our test results show that there are nucleic acid substances (DNA and RNA) in RBCs. And there exists miR-451a with high expression levels in RBCs, miR-451a in RBCs may enter the receptor cells via MVs. Conclusion The presence of nucleic acid substances in RBCs can be detected using cellular chemical staining methods and in situ hybridization techniques.

Key words: Red blood cells, Nucleic acid, miR-451a, Cellular chemical staining methods, In situ hybridization techniques