Too Much RNA Can Starve Cells Of Energy, Texas A&M Study Finds
New university findings highlight potential implications for veterinary patients, cancer, and veterinary practice.
A new study from researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) has uncovered a previously unknown consequence of viral infection: too much RNA inside a cell can disrupt its ability to produce energy.
Zhilong Yang examine cell cultures during research that revealed excess RNA can damage mitochondria and reduce a cell’s ability to produce energy.
Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study found that when excess RNA builds up inside cells during poxvirus infection, it can impair mitochondria — the structures responsible for generating most of a cell’s energy — reducing the cell’s ability to function normally.
The discovery could have broad implications for understanding viral infections, aging-related diseases, and RNA-based therapeutics, including mRNA vaccines, because excess RNA can accumulate in each of these conditions.
“Scientists have long known that RNA degradation helps control protein production and remove defective RNA,” said Dr.
Zhilong Yang , professor in VMBS’ Department of Veterinary Pathobiology .
“Our study reveals another important role: it helps cells maintain the energy they need to function properly.” The findings suggest that RNA degradation serves a broader purpose than scientists once realized.
In addition to controlling protein production, RNA quality control, and helping cells regulate immune responses, it also helps protect the cell’s ability to generate energy.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic instructions the cells use to make proteins, which help cells perform their normal functions.
Another form, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), is commonly produced during viral infections and alerts the immune system that something is wrong.
During viral infection, viruses can produce large amounts of RNA.
The report adds to ongoing university-led research relevant to veterinary medicine, animal health, and clinical decision-making.
Source university website: Texas A&M VMBS
https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/press-releases/rna-mitochondria-cell-energy-study/
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