What is mRNA? It is a temporary copy of the information contained in our DNA, used by cells to build proteins.
DNA contains the master score for building proteins that keep our bodies functioning (e.g. hemoglobin that carries oxygen, insulin that helps control blood sugar). DNA is safely locked inside each cell’s nucleus, while proteins are built outside of it in an area called the cytoplasm.
To build the correct protein, a cell needs to make a temporary copy of our genetic master copy (a.k.a our DNA) to carry the information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This copy is called messenger RNA (mRNA). Using mRNA the cell builds a protein. The mRNA has now done its job. It can be sent to the shredder, where the mRNA is quickly broken down (degraded) by the cell machinery before being recycled (8,9).
Beyond naturally-occurring mRNA, scientists are testing new types of RNA that could help treat diseases.
This post was made in collaboration with the Bridge Research Consortium.
- Understanding COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines | National Human Genome Research Institute
- Global Estimates of Lives and Life-Years Saved by COVID-19 Vaccination During 2020-2024 | JAMA Network | July 2025
- RNA-based therapies: two types explained | Genomics Education Programme | October 2020
- RNA-based therapeutics: an overview and prospectus | Cell Death & Disease | July 2022
- Overview and Outlook for RNA-Based Therapies | Avalere | May 2024
- Gene, Cell, & RNA Therapy Landscape Report | American SOciety of Gene + Cell Therapy | 2025
- Divergent Delivery and Expression Kinetics of Lipid and Polymeric Nanoparticles across mRNA Modalities | Advanced Science | July 2025
- RNA | Definition, Structure, Types, & Functions | Britannica | November 2025
- RNA Functions | Scitable by nature education | 2008
- Why mRNA vaccines aren’t gene therapies | Genomics Education Programme | June 2021
- Will an mRNA vaccine alter my DNA? | Gavi – VaccinesWork | December 2020
- RNA therapy: rich history, various applications and unlimited future | Experimental & Molecular Medicine | April 2022
- MHRA approves zapomeran (Kostaive) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine | Gov.uk | January 2, 2026
- Canada’s contributions to RNA research: past, present, and future perspectives | Canadian Science Publishing – Biochemistry and Cell Biology | October 2024
- Who discovered messenger RNA? | Current Biology | June 2015
- The 60-year evolution of lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery | Nature Reviews Drug Discovery | July 2024
Share our original Bluesky Post!
View our original Instagram Post!
