Comparative analysis of improved m6A sequencing based on antibody optimization for low-input samples

Jiafeng Lu1, Wenjuan Xia1, Jincheng Li1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.

Scientific Reports
|January 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Optimizing anti-m6A antibody concentration is key for high-quality m6A RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq). This study provides guidelines for antibody selection and concentration across tissues, especially for low-input RNA samples.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics and RNA modifications

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a crucial epitranscriptomic mark.
  • m6A RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) is the gold standard for mapping m6A modifications.
  • Optimal anti-m6A antibody selection and concentration are critical for MeRIP-seq quality but lack comprehensive data across tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To optimize the concentration of five different anti-m6A antibodies for MeRIP-seq.
  • To evaluate antibody performance across various tissue types.
  • To provide guidelines for antibody selection, particularly for low-input RNA samples.

Main Methods:

  • Testing five distinct anti-m6A antibodies.
  • Optimizing antibody concentrations using varying amounts of total RNA from different tissues.
  • Evaluating antibody performance based on MeRIP-seq quality metrics.

Main Results:

  • Millipore antibodies (ABE572, MABE1006) required 5 µg for optimal performance with 15 µg total RNA from liver.
  • Cell Signaling Technology (CST) antibody (#56593) at 1.25 µg was effective for low-input total RNA samples.
  • Antibody performance varied depending on the specific antibody and tissue type.

Conclusions:

  • Established guidelines for selecting and optimizing anti-m6A antibody concentrations for MeRIP-seq.
  • Demonstrated tissue-specific optimization requirements for anti-m6A antibodies.
  • Provided crucial recommendations for successful MeRIP-seq experiments, especially with limited RNA input.

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