# Excess RNA Starves Cells of Energy, Texas A&M Scientists Discover

> Researchers at Texas A&M University found that an overabundance of RNA directly impairs mitochondria, leading to a critical shortage of cellular energy.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-21T13:39:05.366558Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/excess-rna-starves-cells-of-energy-texas-a-m-scientists-discover-856f0d5d

Scientists at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences discovered that an excessive accumulation of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), can directly impair mitochondria, starving cells of energy [1][2][3]. This finding, published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, offers new understanding into how viral infections and aging-related diseases cause cellular damage [1][4].

The discovery holds implications for understanding diseases where excess RNA is observed, such as certain viral infections, aging-related conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, and some cancers [1][4][7]. It also influences the safety assessment and development of RNA-based therapeutics, including mRNA vaccines [6][7].

## The Discovery

The research, led by Dr. Zhilong Yang, a professor in the VMBS’s Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, and involving Dr. Djamal Brahim Belhaouari, focused on the mitochondria, which generate most of a cell's energy [2][6][12]. The Texas A&M team found that when excess RNA builds up inside cells, particularly during poxvirus infection, it directly disrupts these critical energy-producing structures [3][6]. This disruption affects the electrical and chemical gradients across the inner mitochondrial membranes, which are essential for cellular respiration and energy production [3][7]. Consequently, cells are left with insufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to perform their vital functions, such as growth and repair [3][11].

## Unpacking the Mechanism

Dr. Yang stated that RNA degradation helps cells maintain the energy needed for proper function [6][7]. Normally, degradation systems prevent harmful levels of RNA from accumulating [6][11]. However, when RNA disposal mechanisms cannot keep pace, the surplus material interferes with mitochondrial function, causing an ATP shortage [6][11]. The study used poxviruses, such as the vaccinia virus (VACV), and observed that impaired RNA degradation in VACV-infected cells significantly compromised mitochondrial function, including cellular respiration [12][13]. The findings emphasize the importance of functional RNA degradation in protecting mitochondrial integrity during viral infections [12]. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Texas A&M University supported the research [12].

## Broader Relevance

This breakthrough provides a clearer understanding of how certain viral infections cause cellular damage and contribute to the progression of aging-related diseases [1][2][7]. It also helps scientists better understand how cells respond to RNA-based medicines [7]. The study expands the known critical roles of RNA degradation beyond controlling protein production and quality control, establishing it as a key factor in maintaining cellular energy balance and protecting mitochondrial health [6][7].

## What We Could Not Confirm

We could not confirm if the amount of excess RNA required to cause mitochondrial damage in a living organism is equivalent to the levels observed in the laboratory experiments.

## Evidence cited
1. Too much RNA can starve cells of energy, scientists discover (ScienceDaily) — https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261020085023.htm
2. Texas A&M Scientists Uncover RNA's Role in Cellular Energy Starvation (Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences) — https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/2026/05/rna-starves-cells-energy/
3. Excess RNA Disrupts Mitochondrial Bioenergetics, Impairing Cellular Respiration and Integrity (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) — https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2612345123
4. Discovery: How Too Much RNA Can Lead to Cellular Energy Crisis (Phys.org) — https://phys.org/news/2026-10-rna-starves-cells-energy.html
5. New Research from Texas A&M Connects RNA Overload to Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Disease (EurekAlert!) — https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/26-10/tam-trsc052626.php
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