Messenger ribonucleuc acid, or mRNA for short, plays a vital role in human biology, specifically in a process known as protein synthesis. mRNA is a single-stranded molecule that carries genetic code from DNA in a cell’s nucleus to ribosomes, the cell’s protein-making machinery. Without mRNA, your genetic code would never get used by your body. Proteins would never get made. And your body wouldn’t – actually couldn’t – perform its functions. Nearly every function in the human body – both normal and disease-related – is carried out by one or many proteins. Proteins, on the other hand, are the ‘workhorses’ of the body. It’s actually basic human biology.ĭNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a double-stranded molecule that stores the genetic instructions your body’s cells need to make proteins. And these instructions direct cells in the body to make proteins to prevent or fight disease. Instead, mRNA medicines are sets of instructions. And they aren’t traditional biologics (recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies) – which were the genesis of the biotech industry. MRNA medicines aren’t small molecules, like traditional pharmaceuticals. What does mRNA do? mRNA produces instructions to make proteins that may treat or prevent disease