Too much RNA can starve cells of energy, study finds
A new study from researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and 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.
A new study from researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and 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.
The short version
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- The discovery could have broad implications for understanding viral infections, age-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.
What happened
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.
Why it matters
In addition to controlling protein production, supporting RNA quality control and helping cells regulate immune responses, it also helps protect the cell's ability to generate energy.
Summary by Nerd News Network. Read the full article at Phys.org via the links above and below.