Analysis of RNA molecules using catalytic nucleic acids

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides a method for analyzing the cap structure at the 5'-end of RNA molecules using catalytic nucleic acids (such as ribozymes or DNAzymes). The process involves using a catalytic nucleic acid to cleave RNA at a specific site near the 5'-end, generating distinct fragments that indicate whether the RNA was capped or not. After separating these fragments, the amount of capped RNA can be quantified, providing a reliable measure of the capping efficiency in RNA samples such as in vitro-transcribed mRNAs.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Quality control of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines (including COVID-19 and other infectious disease vaccines) to ensure proper capping, which is critical for RNA stability and translation efficiency.
• Development and manufacturing of synthetic mRNA for gene and protein therapies, where accurate measurement of cap incorporation is necessary.
• Research and development of RNA molecules (including modified mRNAs) where information on capping is required for understanding RNA function and efficacy.
• High-throughput screening of RNA synthesis and capping protocols for optimization in industrial or laboratory settings.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance for mRNA products by providing a precise, reproducible capping efficiency assay.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a sensitive, accurate, and reproducible method for measuring RNA capping efficiency without the need for radioactive labeling.
• Enables precise distinction between capped and uncapped RNA molecules, even for long or chemically-modified RNAs.
• Compatible with standard laboratory equipment (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, LC-MS), enabling straightforward adoption.
• Improves reliability and throughput of quality control assays for mRNA production, supporting both research and commercial manufacturing.
• Can be tailored for various RNA sequences and cap structures, making it flexible for diverse applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to methods of analyzing the 5 '-terminal structure of an RNA molecule in a population of RNA molecules using a catalytic nucleic acid, e.g., for determining the presence or absence of a 5'-cap structure.