The epitranscriptome toolbox

Abstract

In the last decade, the notion that mRNA modifications are involved in regulation of gene expression was demonstrated in thousands of studies. To date, new technologies and methods allow accurate identification, transcriptome-wide mapping, and functional characterization of a growing number of RNA modifications, providing important insights into the biology of these marks. Most of the methods and approaches were developed for studying m⁶A, the most prevalent internal mRNA modification. However, unique properties of other RNA modifications stimulated the development of additional approaches. In this technical primer, we will discuss the available tools and approaches for detecting and studying different RNA modifications.

Keywords: RNA modifications; epitranscriptomics; mass spectrometry; transcriptome.