德州农工大学研究团队发现，过量RNA积累会直接破坏线粒体的能量生成功能，从而导致细胞能量供应不足1。该研究由首席研究员Zhilong Yang博士领导，已发表在《美国国家科学院院刊》(《Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences》2026年第123卷第22期)上1。研究表明，包括正常必需的mRNA在内的过量RNA都可能对细胞能量产生造成伤害1。
此前的认知认为RNA造成的细胞损伤主要通过激发免疫系统反应间接产生，但这项研究证明RNA可以直接损伤线粒体，无需免疫反应参与1。研究人员推测，带负电荷的RNA可能在线粒体周围积累，破坏能量生成所需的电平衡1。Yang博士指出："过量RNA积累，包括mRNA，可以损伤线粒体并干扰细胞的能量产生能力"1。
这一发现具有广泛的科学意义。异常RNA积累已在多种癌症、神经退行性疾病和衰老相关疾病中被观察到1。研究成果对于理解病毒感染机制、开发衰老相关疾病的治疗方案，以及优化RNA基药物和疫苗的设计均具有潜在价值1。该研究获得美国国家过敏和传染病研究所和德州农工大学的资助1。
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered that accumulation of excess RNA directly damages mitochondrial energy generation, rather than causing harm indirectly through immune system activation 1. The finding reveals that elevated levels of RNA—including mRNA that cells normally require—can impair the mitochondria's ability to produce energy 1. Lead researcher Dr. Zhilong Yang stated that "excess RNA accumulation, including mRNA, can damage mitochondria and interfere with cells' capacity to generate energy" 1.
The research team proposes that negatively charged RNA may accumulate around mitochondria, disrupting the electrical balance necessary for energy production 1. Abnormal RNA buildup has been documented in various cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and age-related conditions 1. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026; 123 (22)), was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (grant R01AI143709) and Texas A&M University 1. These findings have potential implications for understanding viral infections, age-related diseases, and optimizing RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines 1.
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