Study reveals RNA's ability to self-repair ultraviolet damage, expanding understanding of nucleic acid repair mechanisms

Researchers uncover a previously unknown self-repair mechanism in RNA for fixing ultraviolet-induced damage, a capability that was thought to exist only in DNA, offering new insights into RNA's role in cellular repair and early life evolution. The study was authored by Sarah J. Crucilla, Dian Ding and several others.

Researchers revealed that RNA possesses an intrinsic ability to repair itself from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light, a process previously thought to be exclusive to DNA, according to the study released on Oct. 27. This discovery was made through the use of ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which showed the self-repair process in RNA sequences under UV irradiation. The study claims these findings to be significant as they unveil a previously unknown aspect of RNA's resilience to UV damage, suggesting an inherent protective mechanism in these molecules.

According to the study, in examining the broader implications, the research suggests that RNA's self-repair capacity may have played a critical role in the survival and evolution of RNA sequences in the UV-rich environment of early Earth. In modern biological contexts, this finding highlights RNA's ability to partially restore its structure following UV exposure. This contributes to a deeper understanding of RNA's stability and its evolutionary and biological importance, especially considering the absence of specific enzymes for RNA repair.

The study also provides insights into the broader impact of UV-induced damage on RNA, in contrast to DNA. It underscores the significance of RNA damage in cellular processes, given that RNA is more abundant in cells than DNA. The study points out that cell turnover alone might not be sufficient to counteract the effects of RNA damage, which can accumulate and contribute to aging and disease. Reportedly, this research lays the groundwork for further exploration into RNA's mechanisms for countering UV damage, potentially leading to a broader understanding of RNA's role in cellular health and stability.

Royal Society of Chemistry: Sarah J. Crucilla, Dian Ding, et al., UV-driven self-repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in RNA, Chemical Communications (2023). https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04013E