Sequencing methods and functional decoding of mRNA modifications

Abstract

More than 160 types of post-transcriptional RNA modifications have been reported; there is substantial variation in modification type, abundance, site, and function across species, tissues, and RNA type. The recent development of high-throughput detection technology has enabled identification of diverse dynamic and reversible RNA modifications, including N6,2′-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N6-methyladenosine (m6A), pseudouridine (Ψ), and inosine (I). In this review, we focus on eukaryotic mRNA modifications. We summarize their biogenesis, regulatory mechanisms, and biological functions, as well as high-throughput methods for detection of mRNA modifications. We also discuss challenges that must be addressed in mRNA modification research.

Keywords

• RNA modification
• N6,2′-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am)
• N1-methyladenosine (m1A)
• 5-Methylcytosine (m5C)
• N6-methyladenosine (m6A)
• Pseudouridine (Ψ)