RNA in cells performs an astounding number of functions. Messenger RNA carries the sequences of active genes to cellular machinery that turns it into proteins. And transfer RNA molecules are an essential part of the construction of those proteins. RNA molecules that have nothing to do with proteins can also help regulate genes and perform other cellular functions. Researchers have now shown that some RNA in cells also helps defend against viral infection, by aiding in the control of antiviral signaling. The findings have been reported in Science.
The researchers noted that RNA can be seen not only as a drug target, but also as a drug. RNA presents an opportunity for treating infections, or autoimmune diseases, they suggested.
