Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
08:56
A Method for Measuring RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Cells and Tissues
Published on: December 5, 2016
11.2K
Instrumental analysis of RNA modifications
Yasemin Yoluç1, Gregor Ammann1, Pierre Barraud2
1Department of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.
Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|February 23, 2021
Summary
RNA modifications are crucial across all life. This review highlights recent advances in analyzing these epitranscriptomic marks using NMR spectroscopy, sequencing, and mass spectrometry.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- RNA modifications are widespread and essential cellular processes across all domains of life.
- These epitranscriptomic marks play critical roles in regulating gene expression and cellular function.
- Understanding RNA modifications is key to deciphering complex biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the instrumental analysis of RNA modifications.
- To highlight breakthroughs in epitranscriptomic research using various analytical techniques.
- To provide an overview of the functional significance of epitranscriptomic marks.
Main Methods:
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for structural and dynamic analysis of modified RNA.
- High-throughput sequencing technologies for mapping RNA modifications genome-wide.
- Mass spectrometry for precise identification and quantification of epitranscriptomic marks.
Main Results:
- Recent studies have significantly expanded the known landscape of RNA modifications.
- Advanced analytical techniques have enabled deeper insights into the function of specific epitranscriptomic marks.
- The integration of multiple methods provides a comprehensive understanding of RNA modification dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Instrumental analysis is pivotal for characterizing the epitranscriptome.
- NMR spectroscopy, sequencing, and mass spectrometry are powerful tools for studying RNA modifications.
- Continued research in epitranscriptomics promises to uncover new biological mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
01:53RNA Stability
34.8K
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
34.8K
01:20Types of RNA
8.2K
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
RNA Performs Diverse...
8.2K
01:35Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends
12.9K
In eukaryotic cells, transcripts made by RNA polymerase are modified and processed before exiting the nucleus. Unprocessed RNA is called precursor mRNA or pre-mRNA to distinguish it from mature mRNA.
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a cap to the 5' end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5' phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached (7-methyl guanosine). This 5' cap helps...
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a cap to the 5' end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5' phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached (7-methyl guanosine). This 5' cap helps...
12.9K
02:41Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing
7.7K
In eukaryotic cells, nascent mRNA transcripts need to undergo many post-transcriptional modifications to reach the cell cytoplasm and translate into functional proteins. For a long time, transcription and pre-mRNA processing were considered two independent events that occur sequentially in the cell. However, it has now been well established that transcription and pre-mRNA processing are two simultaneous processes that are precisely regulated inside the cell.
The chromatin structure, especially...
The chromatin structure, especially...
7.7K
02:23RNA Editing
9.5K
RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification where a precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) nucleotide sequence is changed by base insertion, deletion, or modification. The extent of RNA editing varies from a few hundred bases, in mitochondrial DNA of trypanosomes, to a just single base, in nuclear genes of mammals. Even a single base change in the pre-mRNA can convert a codon for one amino acid into the codon for another amino acid or a stop codon. This type of re-coding can significantly affect the...
9.5K
02:36Transfer RNA Synthesis
12.6K
One of the unique features of tRNA is the presence of modified bases. In some tRNAs, modified bases account for nearly 20% of the total bases in the molecule. Altogether, these unusual bases protect the tRNA from enzymatic degradation by RNases.
Each of these chemical modifications is carried by a specific enzyme, post-transcription. All of these enzymes have unique base and site-specificity. Methylation, the most common chemical modification, is carried by at least nine different enzymes, with...
Each of these chemical modifications is carried by a specific enzyme, post-transcription. All of these enzymes have unique base and site-specificity. Methylation, the most common chemical modification, is carried by at least nine different enzymes, with...
12.6K