BREAKING Medical News! University Of Cambridge Study Shockingly Finds That Current mRNA Technology Causes +1 Ribosomal Frameshifting!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 07, 2023 1 year, 1 day, 15 hours, 16 minutes ago
Study also found that current mRNA vaccines also bring about immunological responses targeting unintended proteins rather that SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins!
Medical News: In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers at the University of Cambridge have uncovered a previously undisclosed facet of mRNA vaccines, shedding light on a phenomenon known as "Ribosomal Frameshifting." This discovery, covered in this
Medical News report, introduces a new layer of complexity to our understanding of the molecular intricacies set in motion by mRNA vaccines. As the world relies heavily on mRNA technology, especially in the fight against COVID-19, these findings pose critical questions about the potential unintended consequences of mRNA modifications on cellular processes.
The Molecular Landscape
To comprehend the significance of this discovery, it's crucial to delve into the intricate molecular processes instigated by mRNA within cells. When mRNA infiltrates cells, it acts as a blueprint guiding ribosomes the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. Ribosomes traverse the mRNA, reading genetic information in triplets of nucleic acids and subsequently synthesizing corresponding proteins - a fundamental process termed translation.
For mRNA vaccines targeting COVID-19, such as the widely used Biontech vaccine or Pfizer vaccine, the stability of mRNA is paramount to prevent its breakdown by the body. This stability is achieved through modifications to the building blocks, often involving the incorporation of the modified ribonucleic acid N1-Methylpseudouridine. However, the study led by Dr Anne Willis from the MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge-UK reveals an uncharted consequence of this modification - the potential induction of "Ribosomal Frameshifting" during translation!
Unveiling Ribosomal Frameshifting
N1-Methylpseudouridine incorporation prompts ribosomes to deviate from the standard triplet reading process, disrupting the typical translation sequence.
Although instances of this frameshifting are relatively rare, when it occurs, it often results in the cessation of translation. In cases where translation persists, it produces proteins that lack the intended functionality.
To further explore potential repercussions, British scientists investigated using mice as a model. The results were enlightening, revealing an unintended immune response.
In human trials, 21 individuals vaccinated with the Biontech COVID vaccine exhibited a slightly elevated occurrence of this reaction. Despite the absence of symptoms, blood samples revealed immunological responses targeting unintended proteins rather than the intended spike proteins. Conversely, 20 individuals vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vector vaccine displayed a lower unintended immune response.
Addressing Safety Concerns and Implications
Importantly, the researchers found no discernible harmful effects on h
ealth, emphasizing the robust capacity of the immune system to manage such anomalies. To address concerns and explore potential solutions, further experiments demonstrated the feasibility of stabilizing mRNA vaccines to prevent reading errors induced by ribosomal frameshifting.
While the study provides reassurance, experts advocate for additional and more in-depth immunological analyses in vaccinated individuals.
Dr Marina Rodnina, a biochemist at the Max Planck Institute, notes that the study did not quantify the number of unintended proteins resulting from frameshifting.
Dr Julian Schulze zur Wiesch, from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, deems the effect "not dangerous or worrisome" and calls for further confirmation and expanded studies.
Dr Neva Caliskan at the Helmholtz Institute stresses the need for further exploration, acknowledging the potential for reduced immune response in extreme cases.
Potential Implications and the Future of mRNA Technology
This unexpected revelation has broader implications beyond immediate health risks. As mRNA-based technologies extend beyond vaccines, including cancer treatments and other therapeutic applications, understanding the nuanced impact of mRNA modifications on cellular processes becomes paramount. The study prompts a reevaluation of the safety and design considerations for future mRNA-based therapeutics, reinforcing the importance of meticulous research in the quest for innovative and effective medical interventions.
Mechanistic Insights and In-depth Analysis
Delving deeper into the mechanisms underlying ribosomal frameshifting, the study conducted a series of meticulous experiments. They designed and synthesized in vitro-transcribed mRNAs to investigate the effects of various modified ribonucleotides on translation fidelity. Incorporating 5-methoxyuridine (5-methoxyU), 5-methylcytidine (5-methylC), and 1-methylpseudouridine (1-methylΨ) into mRNA sequences, they observed distinct impacts on translation efficiency.
Interestingly, the study found that while 5-methoxyU and 5-methylC significantly decreased translation efficiency, 1-methylΨ exhibited a unique behavior. The incorporation of 1-methylΨ increased ribosomal +1 frameshifting during mRNA translation. This unexpected outcome raised questions about the broader implications of modified ribonucleotides and their effects on the maintenance of the correct reading frame during translation.
Immunological Responses and Real-world Implications:
The study extended its investigation beyond the laboratory, exploring the immunological consequences of +1 ribosomal frameshifting in vivo. Vaccinating mice with the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, which contains 1-methylΨ, revealed an increased T cell response to +1 frameshifted products. This finding prompted a parallel analysis in humans vaccinated with BNT162b2, uncovering a significantly higher IFNγ response to +1 frameshifted antigen compared to individuals vaccinated with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine.
While no adverse effects were reported in individuals vaccinated with BNT162b2, the study emphasizes the need for continued investigation into the potential long-term implications of +1 ribosomal frameshifting. The data underscore the importance of understanding how mRNA modifications might influence the evolution of immune responses, especially in the context of emerging variants and the ongoing development of mRNA-based therapeutics.
Future Directions and Conclusion
As we navigate this uncharted territory, it is clear that the technology of mRNA vaccines, despite its remarkable successes, demands continual scrutiny and exploration. The unexpected insights from the University of Cambridge underscore the need for ongoing research to optimize mRNA-based therapeutics, ensuring both efficacy and safety.
This newfound understanding of the molecular consequences of mRNA modifications prompts a reevaluation of the safety and design considerations for future mRNA-based therapeutics. The evolving landscape of mRNA technology demands continuous scrutiny for potential implications in future vaccine development and other therapeutic applications. In the journey towards innovative and effective medical interventions, meticulous research remains our compass, guiding us through the complexities of the molecular realm.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nature.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06800-3
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