mRNA

American  

1. messenger RNA.

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mRNA British  

abbreviation

1. messenger RNA

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mRNA Scientific  

1. Abbreviation of messenger RNA

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Usage

What is mRNA? mRNA, or messenger RNA, is RNA that’s used to carry DNA’s genetic code outside the cell nucleus so it can be used as the instructions to build proteins. DNA is a large, complex molecule (macromolecule) that allows cells to function and carries the genetic code that determines the traits of a living organism. DNA is in every cell of every living thing and contains the instructions that cells need to function. RNA is a macromolecule that functions alongside DNA to help cells make proteins, among other functions. mRNA is created from a DNA template in the nucleus. An enzyme in the cell nucleus, known as RNA polymerase, unspirals the DNA and breaks the ladder in half down the middle. The enzyme then reads the nitrogen bases (the rungs of the ladder) and makes RNA in a process known as transcription. mRNA carries DNA’s genetic code to structures called ribosomes in the cytoplasm (the middle layer of the cell between the nucleus and the membrane). The ribosomes “read” this code (the nitrogen base sequence), which specifies the amino acid sequence for protein synthesis—the creation of proteins. Once the protein is built, the cell destroys the mRNA. We took a microscopic look at the differences between mRNA, RNA, and DNA, and their vital roles. Read all about it here!

Example Sentences

Follow-up RNA sequencing allowed the researchers to examine overall mRNA activity, revealing that when DHX29 is missing, mRNAs containing non-optimal codons increase in abundance.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

"She regained a lot of mobility and function" after receiving a custom mRNA vaccine along with powerful immunotherapy in December, he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

When directly compared with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines delivered through lipid nanoparticles, a DoriVac vaccine carrying the same spike protein variant produced a similarly strong immune activation in human models.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

BioNTech said it plans to contribute mRNA technologies and related rights to the cofounders’ new company in exchange for a minority stake and other remuneration such as milestone payments and sales royalties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

BioNTech said Tuesday that Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci — a married couple who founded BioNTech in 2008 — will form a startup focused on creating a new generation of mRNA therapies.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026