Researchers published a Nature Communications study identifying an RSAD2‑YTHDF1 signaling axis that promotes inflammatory bowel disease by enabling intercellular mitochondrial transfer from smooth muscle cells. The team demonstrated that this pathway amplifies intestinal inflammation and alters mitochondrial dynamics in recipient cells. The paper uncovers a non‑canonical mechanism linking RNA‑binding proteins and mitochondrial trafficking to IBD pathogenesis. Translational implications include novel molecular targets (RSAD2, YTHDF1) for small molecules or biologics, and the study supplies mechanistic biomarkers researchers can use to stratify patients in future therapeutic trials.