The Exosome Complex in Health and Disease: A Multifaceted Regulator of RNA Homeostasis

The RNA exosome complex is a multi-subunit ribonuclease complex that participates in RNA degradation, processing, and quality control. In recent years, mutations and dysregulation in the subunits of this complex, which play significant roles in RNA metabolism, have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, hematological malignancies, and solid tumors. This review discusses the contributions of genes encoding both the catalytic and non-catalytic subunits of the exosome complex to cellular homeostasis, development, and disease pathogenesis. In addition to its roles in RNA homeostasis, the complex also plays a role in maintaining the stability of genomic-resolving DNA:RNA hybrids, regulating telomere integrity, and facilitating homologous recombination. Considering the current literature, this review highlights the potential of RNA exosomes as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and as therapeutic targets for developing new treatment approaches.