Studying the epitranscriptome in cellular and organismal aging by direct RNA Nanopore sequencing
Presentation by Markus Schosserer, Vienna
Time: 9:45–10:30
Modifications of RNA, collectively called the “epitranscriptome,” are just beginning to be studied in aging biology and might provide innovative biomarkers and drug targets for geroscience. However, our current knowledge almost exclusively relies on a few studies investigating single RNA-modifying enzymes and their role in modulating longevity. An integrated view of the global landscape of RNA modifications utilizing different cellular and organismal aging models is still lacking. As proof of concept, we currently investigate the modification landscape of ribosomal RNA in cellular senescence of human keratinocytes and young vs. aged Caenorhabditis elegans by Oxford Nanopore direct RNA sequencing. Thereby, we can simultaneously observe different modification types on the same RNA molecule, which is currently impossible with other sequencing technologies. In addition to presenting the first results, I will discuss different approaches for the analysis of the sequencing data, as well as the promises and challenges of the current technology.