Screen finds RNA elements that stabilize modified mRNA
Researchers screened 196,277 viral sequences and identified eleven RNA elements that enhance the stability and translation of base-modified mRNA, published in Nature Biotechnology. The elements recruit the protein TENT4 to extend the poly(A) tail and prevent deadenylation, with five compatible with N1-methylpseudouridine modification. One element, A7, made linear mRNA in mouse liver as stable as circular RNA while producing higher protein levels, with expression sustained for over two weeks.
The stability elements could improve mRNA vaccine and therapeutic design, but this was shown only in mice and cells so far.
Source: RNA stability enhancers for durable base-modified mRNA therapeutics - Nature Biotechnology (nature.com). Spotted via Phys.org: Biotechnology.
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