Researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have developed the world’s first automated RNA analysis tool, a significant advancement in the study of cancer and infectious diseases. This innovative tool, created by SMART’s Antimicrobial Resistance interdisciplinary research group, in collaboration with several universities, allows for rapid and large-scale scanning of RNA chemical changes, which are crucial for understanding how cells respond to stress, infection, and disease.
The tool addresses the limitations of traditional RNA analysis methods, which are often slow, costly, and hazardous. By automating the profiling of transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modifications, the tool provides a comprehensive view of the epitranscriptome, enabling scientists to identify disease markers and develop targeted therapies. This advancement is particularly timely, given the rising incidence of cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections globally.
The research, published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research, has already led to the discovery of previously unknown RNA-modifying enzymes and the mapping of gene networks that control cellular adaptation to stress. Using robotic liquid handlers, the team analysed over 5,700 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, revealing new insights into bacterial survival mechanisms.
Professor Peter Dedon, Co-lead Principal Investigator at SMART AMR, highlighted the tool’s potential: “This pioneering tool marks a transformative advance in decoding the complex language of RNA modifications that regulate cellular responses.”
Looking ahead, SMART plans to expand the tool’s capabilities to human cells, aiming to integrate it into clinical research for more effective and personalised treatments. This development is supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore under its CREATE programme.
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