main content

Prof. Andrea Rentmeister, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München: Harnessing Click Chemistry and Light for Precise Analysis and Control of mRNA

Speaker Series. Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) enable the production of almost any functional protein/peptide in the human body as a vaccine or therapeutic agent. The translation of mRNA is a fundamental process in gene expression, and controlling translation is crucial for regulating the production of proteins in cells. In addition, internal modifications of mRNA have emerged as widespread and versatile regulatory mechanism to control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Most of these modifications are methyl groups, making S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) a central metabolic hub. We established metabolic labeling with a clickable metabolic precursor of SAM that enables detection and identification of various methylation sites. Integration into next generation sequencing enabled mapping of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytidine (m5C) sites in mRNA with single nucleotide precision and independent of antibodies. In a different project, we aimed to control translation of mRNA by light as external stimulus. We synthesized 5′ cap analogues with photo-cleavable groups (FlashCaps) that prohibit binding to the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E. These compounds are compatible with the general and efficient production of mRNAs by in vitro transcription. FlashCaps offer a route to regulate the expression of any given mRNA in vitro and in cells and may provide an approach to dose mRNA therapeutics with spatio-temporal control.

Veranstaltungsdaten

After the lecture and the public discussion, Prof. Rentmeister will be available for meetings with other researchers. Please contact Antje Becker if you wish to speak with our guest.