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Figure 1. Glycosylation regulates exosomal RNA sorting and intercellular transfer. In donor cells, a subset of small non-coding RNAs undergoes GalNAc-dependent glycosylation, which is associated with their preferential enrichment into exosomes during biogenesis. This specific cargo-loading process depends on canonical exosome biogenesis pathways, including both ESCRT-dependent and ESCRT-independent mechanisms. Subsequently, these glycoRNAs are encapsulated within the exosomal lumen. Exosomes containing glycoRNAs can be released and taken up by recipient cells, facilitating the intercellular transfer of glycoRNAs. Created in BioRender. Wu, Z. (2026) https://BioRender.com/cv1j34x. GalNAc: N-acetylgalactosamine; RNA: ribonucleic acid; ESCRT: endosomal sorting complex required for transport; glycoRNA: glycosylated RNA.