rRNA Chemical Modification Mapping Service

The ribosome, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis, is far more than a simple assembly line. Its intricate functions are profoundly influenced by a complex landscape of chemical modifications on its ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These modifications play pivotal roles in fine-tuning gene expression, adapting to environmental cues, and contributing to cellular differentiation. Leveraging decades of expertise and cutting-edge analytical methodologies, Creative Biolabs empowers researchers to delve into the nuanced world of ribosomal regulation, providing the precise data needed to drive groundbreaking discoveries.

Introduction of rRNA Chemical Modification

These modifications, encompassing diverse changes like 2'-O-methylation, pseudouridylation, and various base modifications, are critical determinants of ribosomal structure, stability, and translational fidelity. Disturbances in these modification patterns have been increasingly linked to a spectrum of human diseases, including various cancers and neurological disorders, highlighting their immense importance in health and disease.

• 2′-O-Ribose Methylations

2′-O-Ribose methylations stabilize rRNA helices, ensuring proper ribosome folding and efficient translation initiation. These modifications facilitate ribosome recruitment to mRNA and maintain translational fidelity. Defects are linked to ribosomopathies and stress-induced protein synthesis impairment.

• Base Methylations

Base methylations regulate ribosome heterogeneity and stress responses. Aberrant methylation contributes to cancer and antibiotic resistance.

• Pseudouridines

Pseudouridines are the most abundant rRNA modifications, enhancing ribosome stability and translational accuracy by altering rRNA conformation and promoting codon-anticodon pairing. Their loss is associated with translational errors and neurodegeneration.

• Acetylation & Thiolation

Acetylation and thiolation regulate ribosome assembly and translational machinery interactions. Acetylation influences subunit joining and elongation factor recruitment, while thiolation stabilizes ribosome structure and coordinates tRNA modifications. Dysregulation disrupts protein homeostasis.

• Rare & Emerging Modifications

Rare modifications, such as queuosine (Q) in tRNAs, influence ribosome pausing and codon-specific translation. Hydroxymethylcytosine (hm5C) and other non-canonical marks may aid ribosome adaptation to stress or specialized functions.

Fig.1 Model of 2′-O-methylation (2′-O-Me) profile modulation and its consequence on the intrinsic translational activity of ribosomes.¹

Core Applications

The rRNA chemical modification mapping service provides unparalleled insights into the dynamic epitranscriptome of ribosomal RNA, offering a crucial tool for a wide range of research and development projects.

1. Elucidating Ribosome Heterogeneity and Specialization

Moving beyond the traditional view of ribosomes as uniform entities, our service helps uncover the specific modification profiles that characterize specialized ribosomes in different cell types, developmental stages, or disease states. This enables a deeper understanding of how these heterogeneous ribosomes can selectively translate specific mRNA subsets, thereby influencing protein expression.

2. Investigating Disease Mechanisms

Aberrant rRNA modification patterns are increasingly recognized as hallmarks of various pathologies, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and developmental syndromes. By accurately mapping these changes, we help identify novel biomarkers, decipher disease etiology, and pinpoint potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.

3. Deciphering Translational Control Mechanisms

Modifications to the ribosome directly influence the efficiency and precision of protein synthesis. Our service allows researchers to correlate specific modification patterns with changes in translation rates, codon usage bias, and ribosomal pausing, providing a mechanistic link between epitranscriptomic alterations and their functional consequences on protein output.

4. Supporting Drug Discovery and Development

Understanding how drugs or environmental factors alter rRNA modification landscapes can provide critical insights for drug mechanism of action studies, toxicity assessments, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting ribosomal function.

5. Validating Gene Editing and RNA Modification Enzyme Studies

For researchers working with RNA-modifying enzymes or developing gene editing tools that target rRNA, our mapping service provides direct experimental validation of successful modification or demodification at single-nucleotide resolution.

Why Choose Creative Biolabs?

• Unrivaled Scientific Expertise

With over two decades of experience in complex biomolecule analysis, our team of expert biologists and analytical chemists possesses deep knowledge of RNA biology and advanced mass spectrometry techniques. We understand the intricacies of rRNA modifications and the challenges of their accurate detection.

• Cutting-Edge Technology

We utilize advanced analytical platforms, including high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), coupled with sophisticated bioinformatics pipelines. These technologies enable precise identification, localization, and quantification of an extensive range of rRNA modifications, even at substoichiometric levels. Our methods are continuously refined to incorporate the latest advancements in the field.

• High-Resolution, Single-Nucleotide Mapping

Our exclusive workflows enable the mapping of rRNA modifications with an unparalleled level of resolution, frequently reaching down to individual nucleotides. This level of detail is crucial for discerning subtle yet significant biological changes that may be overlooked by lower-resolution techniques.

• Comprehensive Modification Coverage

We offer the capability to identify and quantify a wide array of known rRNA modifications, including 2'-O-methylations, pseudouridines, and various base methylations (e.g., m6A, m5C, m7G), providing a holistic view of the rRNA epitranscriptome.

• Robust Quality Control and Data Analysis

Our stringent quality control measures ensure the reliability and reproducibility of your results. We deliver comprehensive data reports, including raw data, processed modification profiles, and insightful interpretations, enabling you to extract maximum value from your samples.

FAQs

Related Services

Beyond rRNA chemical modification mapping, Creative Biolabs offers a suite of complementary epitranscriptomics and proteomics services that can further enhance your research.

• mRNA Modification Analysis (e.g., m6A, m5C)

Explore the dynamic landscape of messenger RNA modifications and their roles in gene expression regulation.

• Other RNA Modification Analysis (e.g., tRNA, snRNA)

Extend your investigation to other non-coding RNA species and their unique modification profiles.

• Global Post-Translational Modification (PTM) Proteomics

Delve into protein modifications like phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation to understand their impact on protein function and cellular signaling.

Contact Creative Biolabs today to discuss how our rRNA chemical modification mapping service can accelerate your research.

Reference

1. Monaco, Piero Lo, et al. "2′-O-methylation of ribosomal RNA: towards an epitranscriptomic control of translation?" Biomolecules 8.4 (2018): 106. DOI: 10.3390/biom8040106. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.