NAD-capped RNAs - a redox cofactor meets RNA.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Epitranscriptomics

Background:

• RNA modifications significantly increase transcriptome diversity, affecting RNA function, localization, and stability.
• The eukaryotic mRNA 5' cap is a critical regulatory element.
• Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a redox cofactor, can be incorporated into RNA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To confirm the in vivo existence of NAD-modified RNAs.
• To characterize NAD as a cap-like RNA structure.
• To investigate the regulation and functions of NAD-capped RNAs (NAD-RNAs) in a physiological context across all domains of life.

Main Methods:

• Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to confirm NAD-modified RNAs in vivo.
• Development and application of novel technologies and methods for characterizing NAD-RNA structures.
• Investigation of NAD-RNA regulation and function in various organisms.

Main Results:

• The in vivo existence of NAD-modified RNAs was confirmed.
• NAD was characterized as a cap-like RNA structure.
• NAD-capped RNAs (NAD-RNAs) were investigated in a physiological context.

Conclusions:

• NAD-modified RNAs represent a significant epitranscriptomic mark.
• NAD-RNAs are found across all domains of life.
• Further research into NAD-RNA regulation and function is warranted.