Mingqi Zhao

Dr. Mingqi Zhao


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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15 January 2026 in Foods
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
XDXinmei Du
Xinmei Du
QCQitao Chen
Qitao Chen
JZJingyun Zhuang
Jingyun Zhuang
MZMingqi Zhao
Mingqi Zhao
YDYixin Duan
Yixin Duan
Xingguo LiangXingguo Liang
Xingguo Liang
Nucleic acids are essential dietary components with diverse physiological functions. Numerous studies have focused on the biological functions of nucleotides, nucleosides, and functional RNAs such as microRNAs. However, the nutritional value of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-derived oligonucleotides, which are likely the predominant nucleic acid-derived components in foods, remains largely unexplored. Here, yeast was used as a food-associated eukaryotic model organism to investigate the uptake and utilization of rRNA-derived oligonucleotides. Yeast efficiently utilized short RNA oligonucleotides (approximately 5–30 nt) as nutrient sources, supporting robust cell growth. Confocal microscopy confirmed rapid uptake of Cy5-labeled RNA oligonucleotides by yeast cells. Proteomic analysis further revealed marked upregulation of proteins involved in endocytosis and autophagy in yeast cultured with RNA oligonucleotides. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that yeast can internalize and metabolize rRNA-derived oligonucleotides as efficient nutrient sources, likely through coordinated endocytic and autophagic pathways. This study highlights the nutritional potential of rRNA-derived oligonucleotides and provides a foundation for their future application in functional foods and fermentation systems.