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    "story_id": "mp-2026-08-02-019",
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    "headline": "An RNA Degrader Stayed on the Mitochondrion",
    "slug": "an-rna-degrader-stayed-on-the-mitochondrion",
    "dek": "Engineered MOM-ENDOG suppressed four RNA viruses in cells while avoiding the nucleus in the reported experiments.",
    "summary": "Engineered MOM-ENDOG suppressed four RNA viruses in cells while avoiding the nucleus in the reported experiments.",
    "body_text": "National Taiwan University researchers anchored an RNA-cutting enzyme to the mitochondrial surface and delivered modified mRNA encoding it. The construct reduced VSV, influenza, dengue and Zika propagation in experimental systems without the nuclear DNA damage seen when ENDOG moved into the nucleus; clinical safety is untested.",
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    "tags": [
      "RNA viruses",
      "mRNA",
      "mitochondria",
      "antiviral research"
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  "sources": [
    {
      "source_id": "source-2026-08-02-021",
      "title": "Nature Communications: mitochondrial-surface viral RNA degrader",
      "publisher": "Nature Communications",
      "url": "https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-73487-1",
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  "publisher": {
    "name": "The Machine Press",
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    "description": "A daily newspaper for the age of artificial intelligence."
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  "cite_this_report": {
    "title": "An RNA Degrader Stayed on the Mitochondrion",
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