Ribosome analysis has gradually become a widely used strategy for exhaustive and quantitative assessment of translation through deep sequencing of specific messenger RNA (mRNA) fragments. As a world-leading ribosome analysis service provider, Creative Biolabs focuses on providing high-quality ribosome profiling services to customers around the world.
As is known, translation plays a significant role in life activities. The translation process is closely related to the ribosome. For that reason, determining the number and location of ribosomes on mRNA in vivo is critical for understanding the process and regulation of translation. Excitingly, ribosome profiling methods provide new perspectives to learn more about the numbers and locations of ribosomes on mRNAs.
Ribosome profiling, also commonly referred to as Ribo-Seq (ribosome sequencing), is a strategy that relies primarily on mRNA sequencing to confirm which mRNAs are actively translated. The principle of the technology is relatively simple. Each ribosome covers a short segment of the mRNA. These short fragments of overlaid mRNA are protected from digestion by exogenous RNases due to ribosome protection. Therefore, for organisms for which we know the transcriptome sequence, the location of the ribosome is determined by generating these fragments and analyzing their sequence. It is worth noting that Ribo-Seq primarily targets mRNA sequences protected by ribosomes during translation while RNA-Seq sequences all mRNAs of a given sequence present in a sample.
Fig. 1 Polysome profiling followed by RNA-seq during cardiomyogenic differentiation.¹
The basic process of Ribo-Seq in different cell types is roughly the same, and the main process of this technology includes the following steps:
Fig.2 Procedures of ribosome profiling workflow.
Although ribosome profiling offers significant advantages in studying protein synthesis, it comes with certain limitations. The sequences of ribosome-protected RNA fragments rely heavily on accurate mapping to the genome, which can present challenges in complex regions. Additionally, the fragments themselves are short and are not suitable for paired-end sequencing, limiting the depth of analysis. Furthermore, ribosome profiling excludes some valuable information available in polysome profiling, such as the number of ribosomes bound to a single mRNA. Another limitation arises from the nuclease digestion process, which degrades the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of transcripts, potentially removing regulatory elements important for gene expression control.
Despite these challenges, ribosome profiling remains a powerful tool across various research fields. It enables the precise sequencing of ribosome-protected mRNA fragments, helping to identify proteins that are actively translated within cells. Researchers can use it to predict protein abundance, assess active mRNA translation, and determine the translation efficiency of specific mRNAs. This technique also provides valuable estimates of the overall extent of mRNA translation, making it an indispensable method for investigating translational regulation in health and disease.
At Creative Biolabs, we offer comprehensive ribosome profiling services tailored to meet the specific needs of research projects focused on translational control and gene expression. Our Ribo-Seq platform is designed to deliver high-quality data on the number and location of ribosomes on mRNA, providing a detailed view of protein translation. The workflow involves the isolation of ribosome-protected mRNA fragments, which are then sequenced and mapped to a reference genome, allowing precise identification of translation events.
Ribosome profiling allows for the exact mapping of ribosome positions on mRNA, providing insights into translational dynamics.
Our experts provide detailed analysis of ribosome-mRNA interactions, helping to uncover translational efficiency and regulation.
Whether for eukaryotic or prokaryotic systems, our service can be adapted to the specific needs of different organisms and experimental conditions.
From experimental setup to data interpretation, our team provides full support to ensure that research goals are achieved.
A: Ribosome profiling focuses on mRNA fragments that are actively involved in translation, whereas RNA-Seq captures all mRNA transcripts in a sample. This makes ribosome profiling a more accurate method for studying translational activity and determining which proteins are being synthesized in real time.
A: Ribosome profiling involves isolating mRNA fragments that are protected by ribosomes during translation. These fragments are sequenced and mapped to a reference genome, allowing researchers to determine the location and density of ribosomes on specific mRNAs, which provides insights into the efficiency and regulation of protein synthesis.
A: Ribosome profiling data can be used for a variety of downstream applications, including identifying actively translated mRNAs, determining protein abundance, and studying the regulation of translation at the level of individual genes. It is particularly useful for studying diseases related to protein synthesis, such as cancer and metabolic disorders.
In recent years, Creative Biolabs has been committed to the development and application of ribosome analysis technology. With experienced scientists and advanced platforms, we can provide the best service to satisfy every customer’s requirement. If you are interested in Ribo-Seq, please feel free to contact us for more information.
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