Texas A&M Researchers Link RNA Buildup to Mitochondrial Failure
When too much RNA accumulates inside a cell, it can damage the structures that produce energy, potentially leaving the cell struggling to function normally. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that excess RNA produced during poxvirus infections can impair mitochondria, disrupting cellular energy production.
Researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) led the investigation. They discovered that while cells rely on RNA degradation to control protein production and remove defective material, an overabundance of RNA creates an unexpected physical strain on the cell’s energy supply.
Dr. Zhilong Yang and Dr. Djamal Brahim Belhaouari Detail the Mechanism
Scientists have long understood that RNA degradation helps control protein production and remove defective RNA, according to Dr. Zhilong Yang, a professor in the VMBS Department of Veterinary Pathobiology. “Our study reveals another important role: it helps cells maintain the energy they need to function properly,” Yang said.
While double-stranded RNA naturally appears during viral infections to alert the immune system, the research team found that ordinary messenger RNA also damages mitochondria when it accumulates in excess amounts. “MRNA is a normal component of our cells, but it seems like with many good things, if we get too much, that can become a problem for the cell,” Yang noted.
To pinpoint the cause, researchers isolated mitochondria and added RNA directly to them. “When we isolated only the mitochondria and added RNA, we still saw mitochondrial damage,” said Dr. Djamal Brahim Belhaouari, the study’s first author. “That was the moment we realized this could be a previously unknown cellular response to RNA.”
Implications for Poxvirus Replication and Future Therapeutics
Poxviruses, which include the pathogens responsible for smallpox and mpox, rely entirely on infected host cells for energy and proteins. If the host cell fails, the virus cannot replicate effectively. Consequently, these viruses utilize RNA cleanup mechanisms to keep RNA levels balanced.
Beyond viral replication, the findings offer insight into RNA-based medical treatments such as mRNA vaccines. While the study does not establish that current vaccines cause mitochondrial damage in people, understanding how cells process high volumes of RNA helps researchers optimize future therapeutics. The work was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under grant R01AI143709 and by Texas A&M University.
Frequently Asked Questions About Excess RNA and Mitochondria
How does excess RNA damage mitochondria without an immune response?
Researchers suspect that negatively charged RNA accumulates around mitochondria and disrupts the electrical balance across their inner membranes, which is required to drive ATP production.
Could this discovery explain neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s?
Abnormal RNA accumulation occurs in several conditions, including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Because mitochondria are essential for cell health, researchers suggest excess RNA may represent a previously unrecognized source of mitochondrial stress, though further study is required.
What specific viruses did the Texas A&M study examine?
The research focused primarily on poxviruses, a group that includes the viruses responsible for smallpox and mpox.
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