Too Much RNA Can Drain a Cell's Energy, Scientists Discover

Scientists at Texas A&M University found that excess RNA directly disrupts mitochondria and reduces cellular energy production. The effect is independent of immune response: damage occurred even in isolated mitochondria when RNA was added. The results were published in PNAS and matter for infections, cancer and RNA vaccines.

• Excess mRNA and dsRNA disrupt mitochondrial energy balance
• Damage occurred even without the cell's immune system
• Mechanism linked to the negative charge of RNA molecules
• Findings matter for RNA therapies and mRNA vaccines