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Prostko P, Radziński P, Ciach M, Liu Y, Startek M, Lermyte F, De Vijlder T, Gambin A, Appeltans S, Valkenborg D. MIND4OLIGOS: Determining the Monoisotopic Mass of Oligonucleotides Observed in High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2024; 96:9343-9352. [PMID: 38804718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics have emerged as an important class of drugs offering targeted therapeutic strategies that complement traditional modalities, such as monoclonal antibodies and small molecules. Their unique ability to precisely modulate gene expression makes them vital for addressing previously undruggable targets. A critical aspect of developing these therapies is characterizing their molecular composition accurately. This includes determining the monoisotopic mass of oligonucleotides, which is essential for identifying impurities, degradants, and modifications that can affect the drug efficacy and safety. Mass spectrometry (MS) plays a pivotal role in this process, yet the accurate interpretation of complex mass spectra remains challenging, especially for large molecules, where the monoisotopic peak is often undetectable. To address this issue, we have adapted the MIND algorithm, originally developed for top-down proteomics, for use with oligonucleotide data. This adaptation allows for the prediction of monoisotopic mass from the more readily detectable, most-abundant peak mass, enhancing the ability to annotate complex spectra of oligonucleotides. Our comprehensive validation of this modified algorithm on both in silico and real-world oligonucleotide data sets has demonstrated its effectiveness and reliability. To facilitate wider adoption of this advanced analytical technique, we have encapsulated the enhanced MIND algorithm in a user-friendly Shiny application. This online platform simplifies the process of annotating complex oligonucleotide spectra, making advanced mass spectrometry analysis accessible to researchers and drug developers. The application is available at https://valkenborg-lab.shinyapps.io/mind4oligos/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Prostko
- Faculty of Science, Data Science Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek BE 3500, Belgium
| | - Piotr Radziński
- Institute of Informatics, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, Warszawa PL 02-097, Poland
| | - Michał Ciach
- Institute of Informatics, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, Warszawa PL 02-097, Poland
| | - Youzhong Liu
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Therapeutics Development & Supply, Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse BE 2340, Belgium
| | - Michał Startek
- Institute of Informatics, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, Warszawa PL 02-097, Poland
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Institute of Immunology, Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz 55131, Germany
| | - Frederik Lermyte
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Hessen 64289, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Hessen 64289, Germany
| | - Thomas De Vijlder
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Therapeutics Development & Supply, Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse BE 2340, Belgium
| | - Anna Gambin
- Institute of Informatics, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, Warszawa PL 02-097, Poland
| | - Simon Appeltans
- Faculty of Science, Data Science Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek BE 3500, Belgium
| | - Dirk Valkenborg
- Faculty of Science, Data Science Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek BE 3500, Belgium
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2
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Vosáhlová Z, Kalíková K, Gilar M, Szymarek J, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M, Studzińska S. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for the separation and identification of antisense oligonucleotides impurities and nusinersen metabolites. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1713:464535. [PMID: 38039623 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
With the development of therapeutic oligonucleotides for antisense and gene therapies, the demand for analytical methods also increases. For the analysis of complex samples, for example plasma samples, where the use of mass detection is essential, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography is a suitable choice. The aim of the present work was to develop a method for separation and identification of the oligonucleotide impurities and metabolites by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. First of all, the effects of different chromatographic conditions (e.g. pH of the aqueous part of the mobile phase, buffer concentration, column temperature) on the retention and separation of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides standards on the amide stationary phase were investigated. A set of model oligonucleotides containing a fully modified 21mer and its typical impurities (shortmers and oligonucleotides with different number of thiophosphate modifications) was used. The results showed that the concentration of the salt in the mobile phase as well as its pH, are the most influential parameters with regard to peak shape and separation. The knowledge gained was applied to the analysis of an unpurified 18mer oligonucleotides, analogues of the drug nusinersen used for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. The successful separation and identification of twenty-six and twenty-eight impurities was performed with the developed HILIC method. The method was applied to analysis of nusinersen metabolites of serum samples of patients treated with Spinraza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Vosáhlová
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 12800, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Květa Kalíková
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 12800, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Gilar
- Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA 01757, USA
| | - Jakub Szymarek
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdansk, 7 Dębinki Str., PL-80-952, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Sylwia Studzińska
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 12800, Prague, Czech Republic; Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin Str., PL-87-100 Toruń, Poland; Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 4 Wilenska St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland.
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3
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Lechner A, Wolff P. In-Gel Cyanoethylation for Pseudouridines Mass Spectrometry Detection of Bacterial Regulatory RNA. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2741:273-287. [PMID: 38217659 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3565-0_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory RNAs, as well as many RNA families, contain chemically modified nucleotides, including pseudouridines (ψ). To map nucleotide modifications, approaches based on enzymatic digestion of RNA followed by nano liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) analysis were implemented several years ago. However, detection of ψ by mass spectrometry (MS) is challenging as ψ exhibits the same mass as uridine. Thus, a chemical labeling strategy using acrylonitrile was developed to detect this mass-silent modification. Acrylonitrile reacts specifically to ψ to form 1-cyanoethylpseudouridine (Ceψ), resulting in a mass shift of ψ detectable by MS. Here, a protocol detailing the steps from the purification of RNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, including in-gel labeling of ψ, to MS data interpretation to map ψ and other modifications is proposed. To demonstrate its efficiency, the protocol was applied to bacterial regulatory RNAs from E. coli: 6S RNA and transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA, also known as 10Sa RNA). Moreover, ribonuclease P (RNase P) was also mapped using this approach. This method enabled the detection of several ψ at single nucleotide resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Lechner
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Wolff
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France.
- Plateforme protéomique Strasbourg Esplanade FRC1589 du CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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4
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Deng L, Kumar J, Rose R, McIntyre W, Fabris D. Analyzing RNA posttranscriptional modifications to decipher the epitranscriptomic code. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2024; 43:5-38. [PMID: 36052666 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of RNA silencing has revealed that non-protein-coding sequences (ncRNAs) can cover essential roles in regulatory networks and their malfunction may result in severe consequences on human health. These findings have prompted a general reassessment of the significance of RNA as a key player in cellular processes. This reassessment, however, will not be complete without a greater understanding of the distribution and function of the over 170 variants of the canonical ribonucleotides, which contribute to the breathtaking structural diversity of natural RNA. This review surveys the analytical approaches employed for the identification, characterization, and detection of RNA posttranscriptional modifications (rPTMs). The merits of analyzing individual units after exhaustive hydrolysis of the initial biopolymer are outlined together with those of identifying their position in the sequence of parent strands. Approaches based on next generation sequencing and mass spectrometry technologies are covered in depth to provide a comprehensive view of their respective merits. Deciphering the epitranscriptomic code will require not only mapping the location of rPTMs in the various classes of RNAs, but also assessing the variations of expression levels under different experimental conditions. The fact that no individual platform is currently capable of meeting all such demands implies that it will be essential to capitalize on complementary approaches to obtain the desired information. For this reason, the review strived to cover the broadest possible range of techniques to provide readers with the fundamental elements necessary to make informed choices and design the most effective possible strategy to accomplish the task at hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Deng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - J Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - R Rose
- Department of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Langone Health Center, New York, USA
| | - W McIntyre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Daniele Fabris
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Zhou S, Qi M, Luo Y, Li W, Liu Y, Guo C, Wei W, Chen G, Tu P, Feng H, Pan Y. Radical-Induced Dissociation for Oligonucleotide Sequencing by TiO 2/ZnAl-Layered Double Oxide-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2023; 95:16505-16513. [PMID: 37902600 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
De novo sequencing of oligonucleotides remains challenging, especially for oligonucleotides with post-transcriptional or synthetic modifications. Mass spectrometry (MS) sequencing can reliably detect and locate all of the modification sites in oligonucleotides via m/z variance. However, current MS-based sequencing methods exhibit complex spectra and low ion abundance and usually require coupled instrumentation. Herein, we demonstrate a method of oligonucleotide sequencing using TiO2/ZnAl-layered double oxide (LDO)-assisted laser desorption/ionization (LDI)-MS based on radical-induced dissociation (RID). ·CH2OH radicals can be produced on the surface of a TiO2/ZnAl-LDO matrix via ultraviolet light, inducing an attack on the active site of the oligonucleotide phosphate skeleton to create typical "a-, a-B-, c·-, d-, w-, and y"-type fragments. Compared with the spectra obtained via collision-based methods, such as collision-induced dissociation and higher-energy collisional dissociation, the LDI-MS spectra based on RID exhibit single-charged signals, fewer types of fragments, and a lower proportion of unknown noise peaks. We demonstrate full sequence coverage for a 6-mer 2'-O-methyl-modified oligonucleotide and a 21-mer small interfering RNA and show that RID can sequence oligonucleotides with modifications. Importantly, the mechanism responsible for the RID of the oligonucleotide phosphate skeleton was investigated through offline experiments, demonstrating consistent results with density functional theory calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Menghui Qi
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yuanqing Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Wangyu Li
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yaqin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Cheng Guo
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Guanru Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Peijun Tu
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York 10029, United States
| | - Hongru Feng
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yuanjiang Pan
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310027, China
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Kenderdine T, Fabris D. The multifaceted roles of mass spectrometric analysis in nucleic acids drug discovery and development. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2023; 42:1332-1357. [PMID: 34939674 PMCID: PMC9218015 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The deceptively simple concepts of mass determination and fragment analysis are the basis for the application of mass spectrometry (MS) to a boundless range of analytes, including fundamental components and polymeric forms of nucleic acids (NAs). This platform affords the intrinsic ability to observe first-hand the effects of NA-active drugs on the chemical structure, composition, and conformation of their targets, which might affect their ability to interact with cognate NAs, proteins, and other biomolecules present in a natural environment. The possibility of interfacing with high-performance separation techniques represents a multiplying factor that extends these capabilities to cover complex sample mixtures obtained from organisms that were exposed to NA-active drugs. This report provides a brief overview of these capabilities in the context of the analysis of the products of NA-drug activity and NA therapeutics. The selected examples offer proof-of-principle of the applicability of this platform to all phases of the journey undertaken by any successful NA drug from laboratory to bedside, and provide the rationale for its rapid expansion outside traditional laboratory settings in support to ever growing manufacturing operations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Fabris
- Corresponding author: 55 North Eagleville Road, A416, Storrs, CT 06269-3060 USA, Phone: (860) 486-2881, Fax: (860) 486-2981,
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Li F, Chen S, Studzińska S, Lämmerhofer M. Polybutylene terephthalate-based stationary phase for ion-pair-free reversed-phase liquid chromatography of small interfering RNA. Part 2: Use for selective comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1701:464069. [PMID: 37216850 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing numbers of nucleic acid-based pharmaceuticals like antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) entering the market, research facilities, pharmaceutical industries and also regulatory authorities have been looking for efficient analytical methods for these synthetic oligonucleotides (ON). Besides of conventional one-dimensional (1D) reversed-phase liquid chromatography with or without ion-pairing (IP-RP-LC, RP-LC), hydrophilic liquid chromatography (HILIC) and mixed-mode chromatography (MMC), two-dimensional (2D) approaches combining two orthogonal chromatographic techniques also become more relevant due to the high structural complexity of oligonucleotides. Recently, we tested a polybutylene terephthalate(PBT)-based stationary phase under ion-pairing free RP mode for the liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis of siRNA (Patisiran). In this study, retention profile and chromatographic orthogonality, respectively, were compared to other LC-modes like HILIC, IP-RPLC, another ion-pair free cholesterol-bonded RPLC and MMC considering their normalized retention times. Finally, because of higher orthogonality, the ion-pairing free PBT-bonded RPLC as first dimension (1D) was hyphenated with HILIC in the second dimension (2D) in a selective comprehensive 2D-LC setup leading to an enhanced resolution for peak purity evaluation of the main ON entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Shenkai Chen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sylwia Studzińska
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 7 Gagarin Str., PL-87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Michael Lämmerhofer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Li F, Chen S, Studzińska S, Lämmerhofer M. Polybutylene terephthalate-based stationary phase for ion-pair-free reversed-phase liquid chromatography of small interfering RNA. Part 1: Direct coupling with mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1694:463898. [PMID: 36921562 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, ion-pairing reversed-phase liquid chromatography (IP-RPLC) is the dominating generic method for the analysis of nucleic acid related compounds, such as antisense-oligonucleotides (ASO), small-interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) or other DNA or RNA type molecules and their conjugates. Despite of its effective performance, the usage of a high concentration of ion-pairing reagent in the eluent in IP-RPLC is unfavorable for the hyphenation with mass spectrometry (MS) which is required for a detailed structural characterization of the analytes and their structurally related impurities. In this work, we tested a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)-bonded silica-based stationary phase for the separation of generically synthesized Patisiran as siRNA (antisense and sense single strands as well as their annealed double strand) giving some unexpected selectivity without any presence of ion-pairing reagents. Important chromatographic conditions affecting the separation have been investigated and evaluated. Furthermore, MS and tandem MS (MS/MS) characterization was possible without contamination of the MS system with ion-pair agent and related problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Shenkai Chen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Sylwia Studzińska
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany; Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 7 Gagarin Str., Toruń PL-87-100, Poland
| | - Michael Lämmerhofer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany.
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Fekete S, Doneanu C, Addepalli B, Gaye M, Nguyen J, Alden B, Birdsall R, Han D, Isaac G, Lauber M. Challenges and emerging trends in liquid chromatography-based analyses of mRNA pharmaceuticals. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 224:115174. [PMID: 36446261 PMCID: PMC9678211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.115174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Lipid encapsulated messenger RNA (LNP mRNA) has garnered a significant amount of interest from the pharmaceutical industry and general public alike. This attention has been catalyzed by the clinical success of LNP mRNA for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination as well as future promises that might be fulfilled by the biotechnology pipeline, such as the in vivo delivery of a CRISPR/Cas9 complex that can edit patient cells to reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein. LNP mRNAs are comprised of various chemically diverse molecules brought together in a sophisticated intermolecular complex. This can make it challenging to achieve thorough analytical characterization. Nevertheless, liquid chromatography is becoming an increasingly relied upon technique for LNP mRNA analyses. Although there have been significant advances in all types of LNP mRNA analyses, this review focuses on recent developments and the possibilities of applying anion exchange (AEX) and ion pairing reversed phase (IP-RP) liquid chromatography for intact mRNAs as well as techniques for oligo mapping analysis, 5' endcap testing and lipid compositional assays.
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Studzińska S, Li F, Szumski M, Buszewski B, Lämmerhofer M. Cholesterol Stationary Phase in the Separation and Identification of siRNA Impurities by Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314960. [PMID: 36499291 PMCID: PMC9738757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to develop a simple and efficient ion-pair reagent-free chromatographic method for the separation and qualitative determination of oligonucleotide impurities, exemplified by synthesis of raw products of the two single strands of patisiran siRNA. The stationary phases with mixed hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties (cholesterol and alkylamide) were firstly used for this purpose with reversed-phased high-performance liquid chromatography. Several different chromatographic parameters were tested for their impact on impurities separation: type, concentration, pH of salt, as well as organic solvent type in the mobile phase. The pH was the most influential factor on the separation and signal intensities in mass spectrometry detection. Finally, the optimized method included the application of cholesterol stationary phase, with mobile phase containing 20 mM ammonium formate (pH 6.5) and methanol. It allowed good separation and the identification of most impurities within 25 min. Since not all closely related impurities could be fully resolved from the main peak in this oligonucleotide impurity profiling, two-dimensional liquid chromatography was used for peak purity determination of the target oligonucleotides. The Ethylene Bridged Hybrid (BEH) Amide column in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography was applied in the second dimension, allowing additional separation of three closely related impurities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Studzińska
- Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin Str., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-56-6114753
| | - Feiyang Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michał Szumski
- Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 4 Wilenska St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Bogusław Buszewski
- Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin Str., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Michael Lämmerhofer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Morreel K, t’Kindt R, Debyser G, Jonckheere S, Sandra P. Diving into the Structural Details of In Vitro Transcribed mRNA Using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry-Based Oligonucleotide Profiling. LCGC EUROPE 2022. [DOI: 10.56530/lcgc.eu.jk3969w4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The production process of in vitro transcribed messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA)-based vaccines has matured in recent years, partly due to the fight against infectious diseases such as COVID-19. One key to success has been the use of modified, next to canonical, nucleotides and the efficient addition of a Cap-structure and poly A tail to the 5’ and 3’ end, respectively, of this massive biomolecule. These important features affect mRNA stability and impact translation efficiency, consequently boosting the optimization and implementation of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)-based oligonucleotide profiling methods for their characterization. This article will provide an overview of these LC–MS methods at a fundamental and application level. It will be shown how LC–MS is implemented in mRNA-based vaccine analysis to determine the capping efficiency and the poly A tail length, and how it allows, via RNA mapping, (i) to determine the mRNA sequence, (ii) to screen the fidelity of the manufactured modifications, and (iii) to identify and quantify unwanted modifications resulting from manufacturing or storage, and sequence variants resulting from mutation or transcription errors.
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12
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Shi J, Zhou T, Chen Q. Exploring the expanding universe of small RNAs. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:415-423. [PMID: 35414016 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00880-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The world of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) is ever-expanding, from small interfering RNA, microRNA and Piwi-interacting RNA to the recently emerging non-canonical sncRNAs derived from longer structured RNAs (for example, transfer, ribosomal, Y, small nucleolar, small nuclear and vault RNAs), showing distinct biogenesis and functional principles. Here we discuss recent tools for sncRNA identification, caveats in sncRNA expression analysis and emerging methods for direct sequencing of sncRNAs and systematic mapping of RNA modifications that are integral to their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchao Shi
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA.
| | - Qi Chen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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Bommisetti P, Bandarian V. Site-Specific Profiling of 4-Thiouridine Across Transfer RNA Genes in Escherichia coli. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:4011-4025. [PMID: 35155896 PMCID: PMC8829951 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The transfer RNA (tRNA) modification 4-thiouridine (s4U) acts as a near-ultraviolet (UVA) radiation sensor in Escherichia coli (E. coli), where it induces a growth delay upon exposure to the UVA radiation (∼310-400 nm). Herein, we report sequencing methodology for site-specific profiling of s4U modification in E. coli tRNAs. Upon the addition of iodoacetamide (IA) or iodoacetyl-PEG2-biotin (BIA), the nucleophilic sulfur of s4U forms a reaction product that is extensively characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. This method is readily applied to the alkylation of natively occurring s4U on E. coli tRNA. Next-generation sequencing of BIA-treated tRNA from E. coli revealed misincorporations at position 8 in 19 of the 20 amino acid tRNA species. Alternatively, tRNA from the ΔthiI strain, which cannot introduce the s4U modification, does not exhibit any misincorporation at the corresponding positions, directly linking the base transitions and the tRNA modification. Independently, the s4U modification on E. coli tRNA was further validated by LC-MS/MS sequencing. Nuclease digestion of wild-type and deletion strains E. coli tRNA with RNase T1 generated smaller s4U/U containing fragments that could be analyzed by MS/MS analysis for modification assignment. Furthermore, RNase T1 digestion of tRNAs treated either with IA or BIA showed the specificity of iodoacetamide reagents toward s4U in the context of complex tRNA modifications. Overall, these results demonstrate the utility of the alkylation of s4U in the site-specific profiling of the modified base in native cellular tRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praneeth Bommisetti
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt
Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Vahe Bandarian
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt
Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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14
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Huang G, Ding Q, Xie D, Cai Z, Zhao Z. Technical challenges in defining RNA modifications. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 127:155-165. [PMID: 34838434 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that DNA base modifications play a key role in gene regulation during development and in response to environmental stress. This type of epigenetic control of development and environmental responses has been intensively studied over the past few decades. Similar to DNA, various RNA species also undergo modifications that play important roles in, for example, RNA splicing, protein translation, and the avoidance of immune surveillance by host. More than 160 different types of RNA modifications have been identified. In addition to base modifications, RNA modification also involves splicing of pre-mRNAs, leading to as many as tens of transcript isoforms from a single pre-RNA, especially in higher organisms. However, the function, prevalence and distribution of RNA modifications are poorly understood. The lack of a suitable method for the reliable identification of RNA modifications constitutes a significant challenge to studying their functions. This review focuses on the technologies that enable de novo identification of RNA base modifications and the alternatively spliced mRNA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gefei Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiutao Ding
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dongying Xie
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Zhongying Zhao
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
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15
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Thakur P, Abernathy S, Limbach PA, Addepalli B. Locating chemical modifications in RNA sequences through ribonucleases and LC-MS based analysis. Methods Enzymol 2021; 658:1-24. [PMID: 34517943 PMCID: PMC9680040 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the structural information is essential for understanding the functional details of modified RNA. Cellular non-coding RNA such as rRNA, tRNA and even viral RNAs contain a number of post-transcriptional modifications with varied degree of diversity and density. In this chapter, we discuss the use of a combination of biochemical and analytical tools such as ribonucleases and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry approaches for characterization of modified RNA. We present the protocols and alternate strategies for obtaining confident modified sequence information to facilitate the understanding of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priti Thakur
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Scott Abernathy
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Balasubrahmanyam Addepalli
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
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16
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Sutton JM, Kim J, El Zahar NM, Bartlett MG. BIOANALYSIS AND BIOTRANSFORMATION OF OLIGONUCLEOTIDE THERAPEUTICS BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2021; 40:334-358. [PMID: 32588492 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Since 2016, eight new oligonucleotide therapies have been approved which has led to increased interest in oligonucleotide analysis. There is a particular need for powerful bioanalytical tools to study the metabolism and biotransformation of these molecules. This review provides the background on the biological basis of these molecules as currently used in therapies. The article also reviews the current state of analytical methodology including state of the art sample preparation techniques, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods, and the current limits of detection/quantitation. Finally, the article summarizes the challenges in oligonucleotide bioanalysis and provides future perspectives for this emerging field. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Michael Sutton
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 250 West Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602-2352
| | - Jaeah Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 250 West Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602-2352
| | - Noha M El Zahar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 250 West Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602-2352
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Organization of African Unity Street, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Michael G Bartlett
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 250 West Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602-2352
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17
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Agten A, Prostko P, Geubbelmans M, Liu Y, De Vijlder T, Valkenborg D. A Compositional Model to Predict the Aggregated Isotope Distribution for Average DNA and RNA Oligonucleotides. Metabolites 2021; 11:400. [PMID: 34207227 PMCID: PMC8234063 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11060400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural modifications of DNA and RNA molecules play a pivotal role in epigenetic and posttranscriptional regulation. To characterise these modifications, more and more MS and MS/MS- based tools for the analysis of nucleic acids are being developed. To identify an oligonucleotide in a mass spectrum, it is useful to compare the obtained isotope pattern of the molecule of interest to the one that is theoretically expected based on its elemental composition. However, this is not straightforward when the identity of the molecule under investigation is unknown. Here, we present a modelling approach for the prediction of the aggregated isotope distribution of an average DNA or RNA molecule when a particular (monoisotopic) mass is available. For this purpose, a theoretical database of all possible DNA/RNA oligonucleotides up to a mass of 25 kDa is created, and the aggregated isotope distribution for the entire database of oligonucleotides is generated using the BRAIN algorithm. Since this isotope information is compositional in nature, the modelling method is based on the additive log-ratio analysis of Aitchison. As a result, a univariate weighted polynomial regression model of order 10 is fitted to predict the first 20 isotope peaks for DNA and RNA molecules. The performance of the prediction model is assessed by using a mean squared error approach and a modified Pearson's χ2 goodness-of-fit measure on experimental data. Our analysis has indicated that the variability in spectral accuracy contributed more to the errors than the approximation of the theoretical isotope distribution by our proposed average DNA/RNA model. The prediction model is implemented as an online tool. An R function can be downloaded to incorporate the method in custom analysis workflows to process mass spectral data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Agten
- Data Science Institute, UHasselt—Hasselt University, Agoralaan 1, BE 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (A.A.); (P.P.); (M.G.)
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Agoralaan 1, BE 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Piotr Prostko
- Data Science Institute, UHasselt—Hasselt University, Agoralaan 1, BE 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (A.A.); (P.P.); (M.G.)
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Agoralaan 1, BE 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Melvin Geubbelmans
- Data Science Institute, UHasselt—Hasselt University, Agoralaan 1, BE 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (A.A.); (P.P.); (M.G.)
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Agoralaan 1, BE 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Youzhong Liu
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical Development & Supply, Janssen Research & Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, BE 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (Y.L.); (T.D.V.)
| | - Thomas De Vijlder
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical Development & Supply, Janssen Research & Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, BE 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (Y.L.); (T.D.V.)
| | - Dirk Valkenborg
- Data Science Institute, UHasselt—Hasselt University, Agoralaan 1, BE 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (A.A.); (P.P.); (M.G.)
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Agoralaan 1, BE 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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18
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Yoluç Y, Ammann G, Barraud P, Jora M, Limbach PA, Motorin Y, Marchand V, Tisné C, Borland K, Kellner S. Instrumental analysis of RNA modifications. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 56:178-204. [PMID: 33618598 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2021.1887807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Organisms from all domains of life invest a substantial amount of energy for the introduction of RNA modifications into nearly all transcripts studied to date. Instrumental analysis of RNA can focus on the modified residues and reveal the function of these epitranscriptomic marks. Here, we will review recent advances and breakthroughs achieved by NMR spectroscopy, sequencing, and mass spectrometry of the epitranscriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Yoluç
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Gregor Ammann
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Pierre Barraud
- Expression génétique microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Institut de biologie physico-chimique, IBPC, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Manasses Jora
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yuri Motorin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, UMR7365 IMoPA, Nancy, France
| | - Virginie Marchand
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, INSERM, Epitranscriptomics and RNA Sequencing Core facility, UM S2008, IBSLor, Nancy, France
| | - Carine Tisné
- Expression génétique microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Institut de biologie physico-chimique, IBPC, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Kayla Borland
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kellner
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
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19
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Ortiz D, Gasilova N, Sepulveda F, Patiny L, Dyson PJ, Menin L. Aom 2 S: A new web-based application for DNA/RNA tandem mass spectrometry data interpretation. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2020; 34:e8927. [PMID: 32812285 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The Analysis of Oligonucleotide Modifications from Mass Spectra (Aom2 S) was created to support the analysis of oligonucleotide mass spectra. This application complements the existing software tools by providing a comprehensive analysis of oligonucleotide fragments from high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR-MS/MS) data in a flexible and user-friendly manner, directly accessible through a web browser without any need for installation. METHODS MS measurements of aminoC6-DNA and inosine-RNA were performed using an LTQ Orbitrap FT-MS instrument. The obtained data were analyzed by our newly developed open-source package Aom2 S accessible from the ms.epfl.ch web page or directly at https://mstools.epfl.ch/am2s/ to demonstrate the various functionalities of this tool, notably the possibility to identify different product ions from a nucleotide sequence with any fixed/variable modification by matching theoretical isotopic patterns to any experimental mass spectra with similarity scores ranking. RESULTS A detailed description of the Aom2 S tool with its user-friendly interface is exemplified using HR-MS/MS data of modified DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. Explanations of analysis parameters and tool workflow, as well as multiple options for viewing and exporting the results, are provided. Product ion assignment and modification localization can be achieved in seconds, and results can be exported as tables, matched mass spectra, and fragmentation maps. CONCLUSIONS A new open source tool (Aom2 S) for the analysis of HR-MS/MS data for modified DNA and RNA oligonucleotides is described. Aom2 S is fast, highly flexible, and versatile, allowing automatic precursor and product ion assignment in a comprehensive manner, including internal fragments and variable modification localization, with clear graphical representation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ortiz
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Gasilova
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Francisco Sepulveda
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luc Patiny
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paul J Dyson
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laure Menin
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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20
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Abstract
The discovery and analysis of modifications on proteins and nucleic acids has provided functional information that has rapidly accelerated the field of epigenetics. While protein post-translational modifications (PTMs), especially on histones, have been highlighted as critical components of epigenetics, the post-transcriptional modification of RNA has been a subject of more recently emergent interest. Multiple RNA modifications have been known to be present in tRNA and rRNA since the 1960s, but the exploration of mRNA, small RNA, and inducible tRNA modifications remains nascent. Sequencing-based methods have been essential to the field by creating the first epitranscriptome maps of m6A, m5C, hm5C, pseudouridine, and inosine; however, these methods possess significant limitations. Here, we discuss the past, present, and future of the application of mass spectrometry (MS) to the study of RNA modifications.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Mass Spectrometry
- Molecular Structure
- Nucleosides
- Nucleotides
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- RNA/chemistry
- RNA/genetics
- RNA/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer/genetics
- RNA, Transfer/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lauman
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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21
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Lechner A, Wolff P, Leize-Wagner E, François YN. Characterization of Post-Transcriptional RNA Modifications by Sheathless Capillary Electrophoresis-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2020; 92:7363-7370. [PMID: 32343557 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c01345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade there has been a growing interest in RNA modification analysis. High performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupling (HPLC-MS/MS) is classically used to characterize post-transcriptional modifications of ribonucleic acids (RNAs). Here we propose a novel and simple workflow based on capillary zone electrophoresis-tandem mass spectrometry (CE-MS/MS), in positive mode, to characterize RNA modifications at nucleoside and oligonucleotide levels. By first totally digesting the purified RNA, prior to CE-MS/MS analysis, we were able to identify the nucleoside modifications. Then, using a bottom-up approach, sequencing of the RNAs and mapping of the modifications were performed. Sequence coverages from 68% to 97% were obtained for four tRNAs. Furthermore, unambiguous identification and mapping of several modifications were achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Lechner
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse des Interactions et des Systèmes (LSMIS) UMR 7140 (Unistra-CNRS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67081, France
| | - Philippe Wolff
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002-CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.,Plateforme Protéomique Strasbourg Esplanade, CNRS, FRC 1589, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Emmanuelle Leize-Wagner
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse des Interactions et des Systèmes (LSMIS) UMR 7140 (Unistra-CNRS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67081, France
| | - Yannis-Nicolas François
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse des Interactions et des Systèmes (LSMIS) UMR 7140 (Unistra-CNRS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67081, France
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22
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Mapping of Posttranscriptional tRNA Modifications by Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2113:101-110. [PMID: 32006310 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0278-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
RNA modification mapping by mass spectrometry (MS) is based on the use of specific ribonucleases (RNases) that generate short oligonucleotide digestion products which are further separated by nano-liquid chromatography and analyzed by MS and MS/MS. Recent developments in MS instrumentation allow the possibility to deeply explore posttranscriptional modifications. Notably, development of nano-liquid chromatography and nano-electrospray drastically increases the detection sensitivity and allows the identification and sequencing of RNA digested fragments separated and extracted from two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels, as long as the mapping and characterization of ribonucleotide modifications.
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23
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Paulines MJ, Wetzel C, Limbach PA. Using spectral matching to interpret LC-MS/MS data during RNA modification mapping. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2019; 54:906-914. [PMID: 31663233 DOI: 10.1002/jms.4456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
While a number of approaches have been developed to analyze liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) data obtained from modified oligonucleotides, the majority of these methods require analyzing every MS/MS spectrum de novo to sequence the oligonucleotide and place the modification. Spectral matching is an alternative approach for analyzing MS/MS data that is based on creating a library of annotated MS/MS spectra against which individual MS/MS data can be searched. Here, we have adapted the existing NIST spectral matching software to enable its use in the interpretation of MS/MS data obtained from modified oligonucleotides. In particular, we demonstrate the utility of this approach to identify specific post-transcriptionally modified nucleosides in particular transfer RNAs (tRNAs) obtained through a conventional RNA modification mapping experimental protocol. Spectral matching was found to be an efficient approach for screening for known modified tRNAs by using the experimental data as the library and previously annotated RNase T1 digestion products of tRNAs as the reference spectra. The utility of spectral matching for rapid analysis of multiple LC-MS/MS analyses was demonstrated by screening mutant strains of Streptococcus mutans to identify the enzyme(s) responsible for synthesizing the tRNA position 37 modification threonylcarbamoyladenosine (t6 A).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellie June Paulines
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45221-0172, USA
| | - Collin Wetzel
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45221-0172, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 2100521, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45221-0521, USA
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45221-0172, USA
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24
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Antoine L, Wolff P, Westhof E, Romby P, Marzi S. Mapping post-transcriptional modifications in Staphylococcus aureus tRNAs by nanoLC/MSMS. Biochimie 2019; 164:60-69. [PMID: 31295507 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA modifications are involved in numerous biological processes. These modifications are constitutive or modulated in response to adaptive processes and can impact RNA base-pairing formation, protein recognition, RNA structure and stability. tRNAs are the most abundantly modified RNA molecules. Analysis of the roles of their modifications in response to stress, environmental changes, and infections caused by pathogens, has fueled new research areas. Nevertheless, the detection of modified nucleotides in RNAs is still a challenging task. We present here a reliable method to identify and localize tRNA modifications, which was applied to the human pathogenic bacteria, Staphyloccocus aureus. The method is based on a separation of tRNA species on a two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by nano liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We provided a list of modifications mapped on 25 out of the 40 tRNA species (one isoacceptor for each amino acid). This method can be easily used to monitor the dynamics of tRNA modifications in S. aureus in response to stress adaptation and during infection of the host, a relatively unexplored field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Antoine
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de L'ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Wolff
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de L'ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000, Strasbourg, France; Plateforme Protéomique Strasbourg Esplanade, CNRS, FR1589, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric Westhof
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de L'ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pascale Romby
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de L'ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stefano Marzi
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de L'ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000, Strasbourg, France.
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25
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Solivio B, Yu N, Addepalli B, Limbach PA. Improving RNA modification mapping sequence coverage by LC-MS through a nonspecific RNase U2-E49A mutant. Anal Chim Acta 2018; 1036:73-79. [PMID: 30253839 PMCID: PMC6214470 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We report the identification and use of a mutant of the purine selective ribonuclease RNase U2 that randomly cleaves RNA in a manner that is directly compatible with RNA modification mapping by mass spectrometry. A number of RNase U2 mutants were generated using site-saturation mutagenesis. The enzyme activity and specificity were tested using oligonucleotide substrates, which revealed an RNase U2 E49A mutant with limited specificity and a tendency to undercut RNA. Using this mutant, RNA digestion conditions were optimized to yield long, overlapping digestion products, which improve sequence coverage in RNA modification mapping experiments. The analytical utility of this mutant was demonstrated by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) mapping of several modified RNAs where 100% sequence coverage could be obtained using only a single enzymatic digestion. This new mutant facilitates more accurate and efficient RNA modification mapping than traditional highly base-specific RNases that are currently used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beulah Solivio
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, United States
| | - Ningxi Yu
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, United States
| | - Balasubrahmanyam Addepalli
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, United States
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, United States.
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26
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Detection of ribonucleoside modifications by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1862:280-290. [PMID: 30414470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A small set of ribonucleoside modifications have been found in different regions of mRNA including the open reading frame. Accurate detection of these specific modifications is critical to understanding their modulatory roles in facilitating mRNA maturation, translation and degradation. While transcriptome-wide next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques could provide exhaustive information about the sites of one specific or class of modifications at a time, recent investigations strongly indicate cautionary interpretation due to the appearance of false positives. Therefore, it is suggested that NGS-based modification data can only be treated as predicted sites and their existence need to be validated by orthogonal methods. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is an analytical technique that can yield accurate and reproducible information about the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of ribonucleoside modifications. Here, we review the recent advancements in LC-MS/MS technology that could help in securing accurate, gold-standard quality information about the resident post-transcriptional modifications of mRNA.
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Lobue PA, Yu N, Jora M, Abernathy S, Limbach PA. Improved application of RNAModMapper - An RNA modification mapping software tool - For analysis of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) data. Methods 2018; 156:128-138. [PMID: 30366097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research into post-transcriptional processing and modification of RNA continues to speed forward, as their ever-emerging role in the regulation of gene expression in biological systems continues to unravel. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has proven for over two decades to be a powerful ally in the elucidation of RNA modification identity and location, but the technique has not proceeded without its own unique technical challenges. The throughput of LC-MS/MS modification mapping experiments continues to be impeded by tedious and time-consuming spectral interpretation, particularly during for the analysis of complex RNA samples. RNAModMapper was recently developed as a tool to improve the interpretation and annotation of LC-MS/MS data sets from samples containing post-transcriptionally modified RNAs. Here, we delve deeper into the methodology and practice of RNAModMapper to provide greater insight into its utility, and remaining hurdles, in current RNA modification mapping experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Lobue
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States
| | - Ningxi Yu
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States
| | - Manasses Jora
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States
| | - Scott Abernathy
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States.
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Filippova JA, Semenov DV, Juravlev ES, Komissarov AB, Richter VA, Stepanov GA. Modern Approaches for Identification of Modified Nucleotides in RNA. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2018; 82:1217-1233. [PMID: 29223150 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297917110013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This review considers approaches for detection of modified monomers in the RNA structure of living organisms. Recently, some data on dynamic alterations in the pool of modifications of the key RNA species that depend on external factors affecting the cells and physiological conditions of the whole organism have been accumulated. The recent studies have presented experimental data on relationship between the mechanisms of formation of modified/minor nucleotides of RNA in mammalian cells and the development of various pathologies. The development of novel methods for detection of chemical modifications of RNA nucleotides in the cells of living organisms and accumulation of knowledge on the contribution of modified monomers to metabolism and functioning of individual RNA species establish the basis for creation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review includes a short description of routine methods for determination of modified nucleotides in RNA and considers in detail modern approaches that enable not only detection but also quantitative assessment of the modification level of various nucleotides in individual RNA species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Filippova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
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Yu N, Lobue PA, Cao X, Limbach PA. RNAModMapper: RNA Modification Mapping Software for Analysis of Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Data. Anal Chem 2017; 89:10744-10752. [PMID: 28942636 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b01780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has proven to be a powerful analytical tool for the characterization of modified ribonucleic acids (RNAs). The typical approach for analyzing modified nucleosides within RNA sequences by mass spectrometry involves ribonuclease digestion followed by LC-MS/MS analysis and data interpretation. Here we describe a new software tool, RNAModMapper (RAMM), to assist in the interpretation of LC-MS/MS data. RAMM is a stand-alone package that requires user-submitted DNA or RNA sequences to create a local database against which collision-induced dissociation (CID) data of modified oligonucleotides can be compared. RAMM can interpret MS/MS data containing modified nucleosides in two modes: fixed and variable. In addition, RAMM can also utilize interpreted MS/MS data for RNA modification mapping back against the input sequence(s). The applicability of RAMM was first tested using total tRNA isolated from Escherichia coli. It was then applied to map modifications found in 16S and 23S rRNA from Streptomyces griseus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningxi Yu
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati , P.O. Box 210172, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0172, United States
| | - Peter A Lobue
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati , P.O. Box 210172, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0172, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Cao
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati , P.O. Box 210172, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0172, United States
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati , P.O. Box 210172, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0172, United States
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30
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Mapping Post-Transcriptional Modifications onto Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Sequences by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7010021. [PMID: 28241457 PMCID: PMC5372733 DOI: 10.3390/biom7010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, has become one of the most popular methods for the analysis of post-transcriptionally modified transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNAs). Given that the information collected using this platform is entirely determined by the mass of the analyte, it has proven to be the gold standard for accurately assigning nucleobases to the sequence. For the past few decades many labs have worked to improve the analysis, contiguous to instrumentation manufacturers developing faster and more sensitive instruments. With biological discoveries relating to ribonucleic acid happening more frequently, mass spectrometry has been invaluable in helping to understand what is happening at the molecular level. Here we present a brief overview of the methods that have been developed and refined for the analysis of modified tRNAs by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.
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31
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Limbach PA, June Paulines M. Going global: the new era of mapping modifications in RNA. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2017; 8:10.1002/wrna.1367. [PMID: 27251302 PMCID: PMC5133204 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The post-transcriptional modification of RNA by the addition of one or more chemical groups has been known for over 50 years. These chemical modifications, once thought to be static, are now being discovered to play key regulatory roles in gene expression. The advent of massive parallel sequencing of RNA (RNA-seq) now allows us to probe the complexity of cellular RNA and how chemically altering RNA structure expands the RNA vocabulary. Here we present an overview of the various strategies and technologies that are available to profile RNA chemical modifications at the cellular level. These strategies can be characterized as targeted and untargeted approaches: targeted strategies are developed for one single chemical modification while untargeted strategies are more broadly applicable to a range of such chemical changes. Key for all of these approaches is the ability to locate modifications within the RNA sequence. While most of these methods are built upon an RNA-Seq pipeline, alternative approaches based on mass spectrometry or conventional DNA sequencing retain value in the overall analysis process. We also look forward toward future opportunities and technologies that may expand the types of modifications that can be globally profiled. Given the ever increasing recognition that these RNA chemical modifications play important biological roles, a variety of methods, preferably orthogonal approaches, will be required to globally identify, validate and quantify RNA chemical modifications found in the transcriptome. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1367. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1367 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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32
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tRNA-mediated codon-biased translation in mycobacterial hypoxic persistence. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13302. [PMID: 27834374 PMCID: PMC5114619 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial pathogens adapt to the stress of infection by regulating transcription, translation and protein modification. We report that changes in gene expression in hypoxia-induced non-replicating persistence in mycobacteria—which models tuberculous granulomas—are partly determined by a mechanism of tRNA reprogramming and codon-biased translation. Mycobacterium bovis BCG responded to each stage of hypoxia and aerobic resuscitation by uniquely reprogramming 40 modified ribonucleosides in tRNA, which correlate with selective translation of mRNAs from families of codon-biased persistence genes. For example, early hypoxia increases wobble cmo5U in tRNAThr(UGU), which parallels translation of transcripts enriched in its cognate codon, ACG, including the DosR master regulator of hypoxic bacteriostasis. Codon re-engineering of dosR exaggerates hypoxia-induced changes in codon-biased DosR translation, with altered dosR expression revealing unanticipated effects on bacterial survival during hypoxia. These results reveal a coordinated system of tRNA modifications and translation of codon-biased transcripts that enhance expression of stress response proteins in mycobacteria. Mycobacteria can adapt to the stress of human infection by entering a dormant state. Here the authors show that hypoxia-induced dormancy in M. bovis BCG involves the reprogramming of tRNA wobble modifications and copy numbers, coupled with biased use of synonymous codons in survival genes.
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33
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Ross R, Cao X, Yu N, Limbach PA. Sequence mapping of transfer RNA chemical modifications by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Methods 2016; 107:73-8. [PMID: 27033178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical tool for identifying and characterizing structural modifications to the four canonical bases in RNA, information that is lost when using techniques such as PCR for RNA analysis. Here we described an updated method for sequence mapping of modified nucleosides in transfer RNA. This modification mapping approach utilizes knowledge of the modified nucleosides present in the sample along with the genome-derived tRNA sequence to readily locate modifications site-specifically in the tRNA sequence. The experimental approach involves isolation of the tRNA of interest followed by separate enzymatic digestion to nucleosides and oligonucleotides. Both samples are analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and the data sets are then combined to yield the modification profile of the tRNA. Data analysis is facilitated by the use of unmodified sequence exclusion lists and new developments in software that can automate MS/MS spectral annotation. The method is illustrated using tRNA-Asn isolated from Thermus thermophilus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ross
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 210172, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Cao
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 210172, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States
| | - Ningxi Yu
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 210172, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 210172, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, United States.
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34
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Ho PY, Yu AM. Bioengineering of noncoding RNAs for research agents and therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 7:186-97. [PMID: 26763749 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of functional small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs and small interfering RNAs, in the control of human cellular processes has opened new avenues to develop RNA-based therapies for various diseases including viral infections and cancers. However, studying ncRNA functions and developing RNA-based therapeutics relies on access to large quantities of affordable ncRNA agents. Currently, synthetic RNAs account for the major source of agents for RNA research and development, yet carry artificial modifications on the ribose ring and phosphate backbone in sharp contrast to posttranscriptional modifications present on the nucleobases or unmodified natural RNA molecules produced within cells. Therefore, large efforts have been made in recent years to develop recombinant RNA techniques to cost-effectively produce biological RNA agents that may better capture the structure, function, and safety properties of natural RNAs. In this article, we summarize and compare current in vitro and in vivo methods for the production of RNA agents including chemical synthesis, in vitro transcription, and bioengineering approaches. We highlight the latest recombinant RNA approaches using transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and optimal ncRNA scaffold (OnRS), and discuss the applications of bioengineered ncRNA agents (BERAs) that should facilitate RNA research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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35
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Abstract
A common feature of ribonucleic acids (RNAs) is that they can undergo a variety of chemical modifications. As nearly all of these chemical modifications result in an increase in the mass of the canonical nucleoside, mass spectrometry has long been a powerful approach for identifying and characterizing modified RNAs. Over the past several years, significant advances have been made in method development and software for interpreting tandem mass spectra resulting in approaches that can yield qualitative and quantitative information on RNA modifications, often at the level of sequence specificity. We discuss these advances along with instrumentation developments that have increased our ability to extract such information from relatively complex biological samples. With the increasing interest in how these modifications impact the epitranscriptome, mass spectrometry will continue to play an important role in bioanalytical investigations revolving around RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin Wetzel
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 210172. and University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172, USA.
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36
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Björkbom A, Lelyveld VS, Zhang S, Zhang W, Tam CP, Blain JC, Szostak JW. Bidirectional Direct Sequencing of Noncanonical RNA by Two-Dimensional Analysis of Mass Chromatograms. J Am Chem Soc 2015; 137:14430-8. [PMID: 26495937 PMCID: PMC7547889 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b09438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful technique for characterizing noncanonical nucleobases and other chemical modifications in small RNAs, yielding rich chemical information that is complementary to high-throughput indirect sequencing. However, mass spectra are often prohibitively complex when fragment ions are analyzed following either solution phase hydrolysis or gas phase fragmentation. For all but the simplest cases, ions arising from multiple fragmentation events, alternative fragmentation pathways, and diverse salt adducts frequently obscure desired single-cut fragment ions. Here we show that it is possible to take advantage of predictable regularities in liquid chromatographic (LC) separation of optimized RNA digests to greatly simplify the interpretation of complex MS data. A two-dimensional analysis of extracted compound chromatograms permits straightforward and robust de novo sequencing, using a novel Monte Carlo algorithm that automatically generates bidirectional paired-end reads, pinpointing the position of modified nucleotides in a sequence. We demonstrate that these advances permit routine LC-MS sequencing of RNAs containing noncanonical nucleotides, and we furthermore examine the applicability of this approach to the study of oligonucleotides containing artificial modifications as well as those commonly observed in post-transcriptionally modified RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Björkbom
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States.,Åbo Akademi University , Department of Biosciences, Artillerigatan 6, FI-20520 Åbo, Finland
| | - Victor S Lelyveld
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Shenglong Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Weicheng Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Chun Pong Tam
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - J Craig Blain
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Jack W Szostak
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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37
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Gaston KW, Limbach PA. The identification and characterization of non-coding and coding RNAs and their modified nucleosides by mass spectrometry. RNA Biol 2015; 11:1568-85. [PMID: 25616408 PMCID: PMC4615682 DOI: 10.4161/15476286.2014.992280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The analysis of ribonucleic acids (RNA) by mass spectrometry has been a valuable analytical approach for more than 25 years. In fact, mass spectrometry has become a method of choice for the analysis of modified nucleosides from RNA isolated out of biological samples. This review summarizes recent progress that has been made in both nucleoside and oligonucleotide mass spectral analysis. Applications of mass spectrometry in the identification, characterization and quantification of modified nucleosides are discussed. At the oligonucleotide level, advances in modern mass spectrometry approaches combined with the standard RNA modification mapping protocol enable the characterization of RNAs of varying lengths ranging from low molecular weight short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to the extremely large 23 S rRNAs. New variations and improvements to this protocol are reviewed, including top-down strategies, as these developments now enable qualitative and quantitative measurements of RNA modification patterns in a variety of biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk W Gaston
- a Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry; Department of Chemistry ; University of Cincinnati ; Cincinnati , OH USA
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38
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Cao X, Limbach PA. Enhanced detection of post-transcriptional modifications using a mass-exclusion list strategy for RNA modification mapping by LC-MS/MS. Anal Chem 2015; 87:8433-40. [PMID: 26176336 PMCID: PMC4542202 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b01826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
There
has been a renewed appreciation for the dynamic nature of
ribonucleic acid (RNA) modifications and for the impact of modified
RNAs on organism health resulting in an increased emphasis on developing
analytical methods capable of detecting modifications within specific
RNA sequence contexts. Here we demonstrate that a DNA-based exclusion
list enhances data dependent liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
(LC-MS/MS) detection of post-transcriptionally modified nucleosides
within specific RNA sequences. This approach is possible because all
post-transcriptional modifications of RNA, except pseudouridine, result
in a mass increase in the canonical nucleoside undergoing chemical
modification. Thus, DNA-based sequences reflect the state of the RNA
prior to or in the absence of modification. The utility of this exclusion
list strategy is demonstrated through the RNA modification mapping
of total tRNAs from the bacteria Escherichia coli, Lactococcus lactis, and Streptomyces griseus. Creation of a DNA-based exclusion list is shown to consistently
enhance the number of detected modified ribonuclease (RNase) digestion
products by ∼20%. All modified RNase digestion products that
were detected during standard data dependent acquisition (DDA) LC-MS/MS
were also detected when the DNA-based exclusion list was used. Consequently,
the increase in detected modified RNase digestion products is attributed
to new experimental information only obtained when using the exclusion
list. This exclusion list strategy should be broadly applicable to
any class of RNA and improves the utility of mass spectrometry approaches
for discovery-based analyses of RNA modifications, such as are required
for studies of the epitranscriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Cao
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0172, United States
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210172, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0172, United States
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