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Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Frontier of mRNA Research with Poly A Tail Analysis Techniques
Published on: January 12, 2024
Poly(A) inclusive RNA isoform sequencing (PAIso-seq) reveals wide-spread non-adenosine residues within RNA poly(A)
Yusheng Liu1, Hu Nie1,2, Hongxiang Liu1
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Message RNA poly(A) tails are vital for their function and regulation. However, the full-length sequence of mRNA isoforms with their poly(A) tails remains undetermined. Here, we develop a method at single-cell level sensitivity that enables quantification of poly(A) tails along with the full-length cDNA while reading non-adenosine residues within poly(A) tails precisely, which we name poly(A) inclusive RNA isoform sequencing (PAIso-seq). Using this method, we can quantify isoform specific poly(A) tail length. More interestingly, we find that 17% of the mRNAs harbor non-A residues within the body of poly(A) tails in mouse GV oocytes. We show that PAIso-seq is sensitive enough to analyze single GV oocytes. These findings will not only provide an accurate and sensitive tool in studying poly(A) tails, but also open a door for the function and regulation of non-adenosine modifications within the body of poly(A) tails.
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