Deciphering RNA modification patterns along single molecules

Weave: Österreich - Belgien - Deutschland - Luxemburg - Polen - Schweiz - Slowenien - Tschechien

Disciplines

Biology (34%); Computer Sciences (33%); Medical-Theoretical Sciences, Pharmacy (33%)

Keywords

RNA-modifications, Epitranscriptomics, Single-Molecule Sequencing, Innate Immunity, Adenosine Deamination, Modification Crosstalk

Abstract

RNA molecules can be chemically modified in many different ways. These chemical modifications control important functional aspects of RNA, like immunogenicity, stability, coding information, or translatability. Today, more than 150 chemical modifications of RNA are known to exist. Still, only very few can be accurately detected by high-throughput methods. Adenosine to inosine conversion is an abundant modification found in RNA. While we do know where inosines can be found in RNA, we do not know the linear arrangement of inosines along individual RNA molecules. Since inosines are required to prevent an immune response against RNA, the linear arrangement of inosines within single molecules is likely very important. In this project we will use advanced sequencing technologies to decipher the occurrence of inosines and other RNA modifications along single molecules.