Simple and rapid lectin-based detection of native glycoRNAs

The current detection methods for glycoRNAs include metabolic labeling of living cells or animals and rPAL that directly detects native glycoRNAs by periodate oxidation and aldehyde ligation. Both of them have some limitations. Here we reported a simple and rapid detection of native glycoRNAs by using lectins. The method involves in several simple procedures: isolation of total RNA, northern blotting and detection with lectins. The advantages of this method include high sensitivity, very simple procedures and broader applications. We used this method detecting glycoRNA expression in the RNA samples from different species. We also detect the glycoRNA expression across the varieties of mouse and human tissues and compared with other detection methods. We are in the first to detect free glycoRNAs in the varieties of human biofluids. Overall, this simple and rapid method will provide a new tool for study of glycoRNA biology and clinical diagnosis in future.