Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation Assay to Study m5C Modification in Arabidopsis
Published on: May 14, 2020
The 5' Cap Epitranscriptome and Beyond: Natural and Engineered 5' Cap Modifications for Optimizing mRNA Therapeutics
Greta Charlotte Dahm1, Melissa Pieper2, Helena Schepers2
1Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, München, Germany.
Abstract:
Eukaryotic mRNAs made by in vitro transcription have emerged as medical modalities for vaccination and protein replacement therapy. The 5' cap is an essential feature of eukaryotic mRNAs providing stability, reducing immunogenicity, and serving as starting point for translation initiation. The "cap epitranscriptome" comprises several natural 5' cap modifications that can impact mRNA interactions and fate. Manipulating this privileged structure provides a powerful handle to optimize mRNA properties and to build a toolbox for investigating and controlling mRNA-related processes. In this article, the impact of natural 5' cap modifications on mRNA translation, immunogenicity, and stability is highlighted. Then, it is shown how non-natural 5' cap modifications have been used to manipulate and optimize various mRNA properties. Finally, non-natural modifications can equip mRNA with reactive handles, which provide a toolbox for studying interactions and controlling the function of mRNAs.
Related Concept Videos
pre-mRNA Processing
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 to it (7-Methyl guanosine). This 5’ cap helps the...
Pre-mRNA Processing
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 to it (7-Methyl guanosine). This 5’ cap helps the...
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
Ribosome Profiling
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...
Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends
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 the cell...
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability

