A unique RNA molecule, found only in women, might play a key role in immunity, how severe infections become, and the risk of autoimmune diseases. This discovery challenges older ideas about these "chimeric" RNAs.
Scientists once thought these RNA molecules were just genetic errors. Now, new research suggests they do important jobs in healthy cells.
A New Look at Chimeric RNA
Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine found a chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16. Chimeric RNAs are made from parts of more than one gene. They were previously linked mostly to cancer, where genetic processes can go wrong. However, scientists are now finding that some of these molecules are part of normal human biology.
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Start Your News DetoxHui Li, PhD, and his team found that UBA1-CDK16 helps control how blood cells form. It may also affect how serious illnesses like COVID-19 become. Since this RNA can be found in blood, it could help doctors create tests to diagnose diseases or find women at higher risk of serious health problems.
Li explained that chimeric RNAs were once thought to be specific to cancer. But his team's research shows they are also part of normal body functions and are important for human health.
RNA molecules carry genetic instructions that cells use to do their jobs. These instructions come from the DNA we inherit. For years, scientists saw chimeric RNAs as mistakes because they combine material from different genes. This idea linked them to cancer, which can happen when genetic information is copied incorrectly.
Impact on Women's Health
The new research suggests that UBA1-CDK16 helps regulate the immune system, contributing to women's health. It is only found in women because women typically have two X chromosomes. Men usually have one X and one Y chromosome.
In female cells, one X chromosome is usually inactive. Li found that this inactive chromosome still produces UBA1-CDK16. Researchers could detect this RNA in women's blood.
Li believes UBA1-CDK16 helps control the creation of blood cells. The findings also suggest it might affect how the immune system fights infections.
The RNA was missing in 50% of women who got severe COVID-19. However, it was still present in women who had no symptoms. Lower levels of this RNA were also linked to more severe disease.
Li thinks UBA1-CDK16 might help control the development of neutrophils. These immune cells are important for the body's early response to infection. The number of neutrophils is already known to help predict how patients will do with COVID-19.
Expanding Our Genetic Understanding
Li noted that humans have a similar number of genes to fruit flies and worms. This means gene count alone doesn't explain why humans are more complex. He believes chimeric RNAs are another way to expand the "functional genome" without actually increasing the number of genes.
The research also suggests that UBA1-CDK16 might protect against too much autoimmune activity. Women get autoimmune disorders much more often than men. Li is calling for more studies to see if this RNA helps explain this difference.
Understanding the role of UBA1-CDK16 could also show if it can be used to improve diagnosis, assess risk, or guide new treatments. Li believes these chimeric RNAs could be a hidden source for new biomarkers and treatment targets.
Deep Dive & References
UBA1-CDK16: A female-specific chimeric RNA emerging through evolution and involved in immune regulation - Science Advances, 2026
