[Nanopore sequencing for RNA modification and splicing analysis in skeletal muscle]

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Alternative splicing and RNA modifications are crucial post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms influencing cell fate and biological processes.
• These mechanisms are particularly significant in muscle tissue for myogenesis, fiber type differentiation, metabolism, and stress adaptation.
• Aberrant splicing and epitranscriptomic changes are implicated in muscle development and diseases like atrophy and metabolic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review RNA splicing and modification mechanisms and their role in muscle biology.
• To explore the application prospects of Nanopore sequencing in epitranscriptomics for muscle research.
• To summarize the advantages and challenges of Nanopore sequencing and bioinformatics tools in muscle epigenomic studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of fundamental mechanisms and research progress in RNA splicing and modifications.
• Focus on Nanopore sequencing technology for long-read capabilities and direct modification detection.
• Utilizing bioinformatics tools (e.g., Bonito, Nanopolish) for enhanced data analysis.

Main Results:

• Nanopore sequencing, with advanced bioinformatics, significantly enhances resolution and accuracy in studying RNA splicing and modifications.
• This technology holds potential for deciphering regulatory mechanisms in muscle biology and improving farmed animal traits.
• It offers a valuable approach for muscle development research and diagnosing muscle-related diseases.

Conclusions:

• Nanopore sequencing is a powerful tool for advancing epitranscriptomic research in muscle biology.
• Accurate identification of RNA changes is key for understanding muscle development and disease.
• This review provides guidance for future research in Nanopore-based muscle epigenomic studies.