All Publications

Purification of post-transcriptionally modified tRNAs for enhanced cell-free translation systems

This study introduces a hybridization-based purification method that enables high-yield production of native and engineered tRNAs from E. coli, preserving their natural post-transcriptional modifications and translational activity. The method outperforms traditional in vitro transcription, providing the first complete modification profiles of key tRNAs and offering a scalable toolkit for translation and synthetic biology research.

New insights into the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

This review provides a comprehensive overview of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), detailing its multisystem impact on the respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, as well as the risk factors influencing disease severity. It emphasizes the virus's interaction with the ACE2 receptor, the resulting pulmonary complications, and the long-term post-COVID sequelae, highlighting the need for deeper understanding of its pathophysiology, immune response, and long-term health consequences.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Direct Sequencing of tRNAs De Novo and Quantitative Mapping of Multiple RNA Modifications

This study presents MLC-Seq, a mass-spectrometry ladder complementation sequencing method that enables de novo, full-length sequencing of heterogeneous tRNAs with single-nucleotide precision. Unlike next-generation sequencing, it preserves and quantifies RNA modifications, revealing detailed stoichiometric modification profiles and changes after enzymatic treatment, thereby providing a comprehensive and quantitative view of tRNA sequence and modification information.

Parent tRNA Modification Status Determines the Induction of Functional tRNA-Derived RNA by Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

This study reveals that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection alters tRNA methylation, specifically demethylating adenine at position 57 of tRNA-GluCTC, which enables its cleavage into tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs). The enzyme AlkB homolog 1 mediates this demethylation, leading to tRF production that influences RSV replication. These findings highlight the role of tRNA post-transcriptional modifications in tRF biogenesis and suggest a novel antiviral target pathway in RSV infection.

A General LC-MS-Based Method for Direct and De Novo Sequencing of RNA Mixtures Containing both Canonical and Modified Nucleotides

This work introduces 2D-HELS MS Seq, a two-dimensional hydrophobic end-labeling strategy that enhances mass spectrometry-based RNA sequencing by overcoming key technical challenges in de novo sequencing of mixed and modified RNAs. The method enables direct sequencing of both canonical and modified nucleotides, including distinguishing isomeric modifications such as pseudouridine (Ψ) and uridine (U), and allows comprehensive analysis of single and mixed RNA samples without reliance on enzymes or cDNA synthesis.

Direct Sequencing of tRNA by 2D-HELS-AA MS Seq Reveals Its Different Isoforms and Dynamic Base Modifications

This study presents 2D-HELS-AA MS Seq, a direct mass spectrometry-based RNA sequencing method that eliminates the need for cDNA synthesis and enables complete sequencing of tRNAPhe while identifying and quantifying eleven RNA modifications. The method uncovers partial modification stoichiometries, detects novel truncated isoforms at the 3'-CCA tail, and discovers a new isoform with A-G base transitions in the variable loop. By revealing isoforms, base editing, and modification stoichiometries invisible to traditional sequencing, it offers a powerful new tool for epitranscriptomic analysis and understanding RNA regulation.

2D-HELS MS Seq: A General LC-MS-Based Method for Direct and de novo Sequencing of RNA Mixtures with Different Nucleotide Modifications

This study demonstrates the 2D-HELS MS Seq method, which integrates mass-retention time hydrophobic end-labeling into mass spectrometry for direct, de novo RNA sequencing without a cDNA intermediate. The technique accurately sequences single and mixed RNA samples containing both canonical and modified nucleotides, distinguishing modifications such as pseudouridine (Ψ) and 5-methylcytosine (m5C) by their unique mass signatures.

A general LC-MS-based RNA sequencing method for direct analysis of multiple-base modifications in RNA mixtures

This work introduces 2D-HELS MS Seq, the first direct, modification-independent RNA sequencing method that combines hydrophobic end-labeling with mass spectrometry to enable de novo sequencing of single and mixed RNA samples. The technique accurately identifies, locates, and quantifies both canonical and modified bases at single-nucleotide resolution, including partial modification stoichiometries found in real biological samples. By overcoming the limitations of cDNA-based sequencing, it represents a major advance toward comprehensive sequencing of complex cellular RNAs and provides a valuable tool for quality control of therapeutic RNAs.

Bidirectional Direct Sequencing of Noncanonical RNA by Two-Dimensional Analysis of Mass Chromatograms

This study introduces a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach that simplifies the de novo sequencing of RNAs containing noncanonical nucleotides by exploiting consistent chromatographic separation patterns. Using a two-dimensional analysis of compound chromatograms and a Monte Carlo algorithm that generates bidirectional paired-end reads, the method precisely locates modified nucleotides within RNA sequences. This innovation overcomes the complexity of conventional MS data caused by multiple fragmentation pathways and adducts, enabling routine LC-MS sequencing of both natural and artificially modified RNAs.