Name: an in vitro assay to detect trna-isopentenyl transferase activity
Uploaded: 2018-10-08T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about An In Vitro Assay to Detect tRNA-Isopentenyl Transferase Activity at JoVE.com

We would like to thank Dr. David Engelke for his guidance and helpful comments on this manuscript. PJS - Ball State University laboratory startup funds; DAB - grant 1R15AI130950-01.

NOTE: The protocol was adapted from Ref. 24.
1. Obtain RNA and Enzyme of Interest
<ol>
	<li>Use in vitro transcribed RNAs internally labeled with 32P, and recombinant His6-Mod5 expressed in and purified from E. coli, as previously described24.
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		<li>Introduce in vitro transcribed RNAs (section 3) using T7 RNA polymerase in the presence of unlabeled ATP, UTP, CTP, GTP and 10 &#181;Ci of gel-purified, e...

<ol>
	<li>Boccaletto, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=MODOMICS:+a+database+of+RNA+modification+pathways.+2017+update.">MODOMICS: a database of RNA modification pathways. 2017 update.</a> Nucleic Acids Research. 46 (D1), 303-307 (2018).</li><li>Lewis, C. J., Pan, T., Kalsotra, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=RNA+modifications+and+structures+cooperate+to+guide+RNA-protein+interactions.">RNA modifications and structures cooperate to guide RNA-protein interactions.</a> Nature Reviews: Molecular and Cellular Biology. 18 (3), 202-210 (2017).</li><li>Soll, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enzymatic+modification+of+transfer+RNA.">Enzymatic modification of transfer RNA.</a> Science. 173 (3994), 293-299 (1971).</li><li>Schweizer, U., Bohleber, S., Fradejas-Villar, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+modified+base+isopentenyladenosine+and+its+derivatives+in+tRNA.">The modified base isopentenyladenosine and its derivatives in tRNA.</a> RNA Biology. 14 (9), 1197-1208 (2017).</li><li>Persson, B. C., Esberg, B., Olafsson, O., Bjork, G. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synthesis+and+function+of+isopentenyl+adenosine+derivatives+in+tRNA.">Synthesis and function of isopentenyl adenosine derivatives in tRNA.</a> Biochimie. 76 (12), 1152-1160 (1994).</li><li>Urbonavicius, J., Qian, Q., Durand, J. M., Hagervall, T. G., Bjork, G. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Improvement+of+reading+frame+maintenance+is+a+common+function+for+several+tRNA+modifications.">Improvement of reading frame maintenance is a common function for several tRNA modifications.</a> EMBO Journal. 20 (17), 4863-4873 (2001).</li><li>Aubee, J. I., Olu, M., Thompson, K. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+i6A37+tRNA+modification+is+essential+for+proper+decoding+of+UUX-Leucine+codons+during+rpoS+and+iraP+translation.">The i6A37 tRNA modification is essential for proper decoding of UUX-Leucine codons during rpoS and iraP translation.</a> RNA. 22 (5), 729-742 (2016).</li><li>Caillet, J., Droogmans, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Molecular+cloning+of+the+Escherichia+coli+miaA+gene+involved+in+the+formation+of+delta+2-isopentenyl+adenosine+in+tRNA.">Molecular cloning of the Escherichia coli miaA gene involved in the formation of delta 2-isopentenyl adenosine in tRNA.</a> Journal of Bacteriology. 170 (9), 4147-4152 (1988).</li><li>Soderberg, T., Poulter, C. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Escherichia+coli+dimethylallyl+diphosphate:tRNA+dimethylallyltransferase:+essential+elements+for+recognition+of+tRNA+substrates+within+the+anticodon+stem-loop.">Escherichia coli dimethylallyl diphosphate:tRNA dimethylallyltransferase: essential elements for recognition of tRNA substrates within the anticodon stem-loop.</a> Biochemistry. 39 (21), 6546-6553 (2000).</li><li>Dihanich, M. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+and+characterization+of+MOD5,+a+gene+required+for+isopentenylation+of+cytoplasmic+and+mitochondrial+tRNAs+of+Saccharomyces+cerevisiae.">Isolation and characterization of MOD5, a gene required for isopentenylation of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial tRNAs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.</a> Molecular and Cellular Biology. 7 (1), 177-184 (1987).</li><li>Lemieux, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Regulation+of+physiological+rates+in+Caenorhabditis+elegans+by+a+tRNA-modifying+enzyme+in+the+mitochondria.">Regulation of physiological rates in Caenorhabditis elegans by a tRNA-modifying enzyme in the mitochondria.</a> Genetics. 159 (1), 147-157 (2001).</li><li>Golovko, A., Sitbon, F., Tillberg, E., Nicander, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identification+of+a+tRNA+isopentenyltransferase+gene+from+Arabidopsis+thaliana.">Identification of a tRNA isopentenyltransferase gene from Arabidopsis thaliana.</a> Plant Molecular Biology. 49 (2), 161-169 (2002).</li><li>Warner, G. J., Rusconi, C. P., White, I. E., Faust, J. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identification+and+sequencing+of+two+isopentenyladenosine-modified+transfer+RNAs+from+Chinese+hamster+ovary+cells.">Identification and sequencing of two isopentenyladenosine-modified transfer RNAs from Chinese hamster ovary cells.</a> Nucleic Acids Research. 26 (23), 5533-5535 (1998).</li><li>Golovko, A., Hjalm, G., Sitbon, F., Nicander, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cloning+of+a+human+tRNA+isopentenyl+transferase.">Cloning of a human tRNA isopentenyl transferase.</a> Gene. 258 (1-2), 85-93 (2000).</li><li>Kernohan, K. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Matchmaking+facilitates+the+diagnosis+of+an+autosomal-recessive+mitochondrial+disease+caused+by+biallelic+mutation+of+the+tRNA+isopentenyltransferase+(TRIT1)+gene.">Matchmaking facilitates the diagnosis of an autosomal-recessive mitochondrial disease caused by biallelic mutation of the tRNA isopentenyltransferase (TRIT1) gene.</a> Human Mutations. 38 (5), 511-516 (2017).</li><li>Yarham, J. W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Defective+i6A37+modification+of+mitochondrial+and+cytosolic+tRNAs+results+from+pathogenic+mutations+in+TRIT1+and+its+substrate+tRNA.">Defective i6A37 modification of mitochondrial and cytosolic tRNAs results from pathogenic mutations in TRIT1 and its substrate tRNA.</a> PLoS Genetics. 10 (6), 1004424 (2014).</li><li>Smaldino, P. J., Read, D. F., Pratt-Hyatt, M., Hopper, A. K., Engelke, D. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+cytoplasmic+and+nuclear+populations+of+the+eukaryote+tRNA-isopentenyl+transferase+have+distinct+functions+with+implications+in+human+cancer.">The cytoplasmic and nuclear populations of the eukaryote tRNA-isopentenyl transferase have distinct functions with implications in human cancer.</a> Gene. 556 (1), 13-18 (2015).</li><li>Lamichhane, T. N., Mattijssen, S., Maraia, R. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Human+cells+have+a+limited+set+of+tRNA+anticodon+loop+substrates+of+the+tRNA+isopentenyltransferase+TRIT1+tumor+suppressor.">Human cells have a limited set of tRNA anticodon loop substrates of the tRNA isopentenyltransferase TRIT1 tumor suppressor.</a> Molecular and Cellular Biology. 33 (24), 4900-4908 (2013).</li><li>Swoboda, R. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Antimelanoma+CTL+recognizes+peptides+derived+from+an+ORF+transcribed+from+the+antisense+strand+of+the+3'+untranslated+region+of+TRIT1.">Antimelanoma CTL recognizes peptides derived from an ORF transcribed from the antisense strand of the 3' untranslated region of TRIT1.</a> Molecular Therapy Oncolytics. 1, 14009 (2015).</li><li>Yue, Z., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identification+of+breast+cancer+candidate+genes+using+gene+co-expression+and+protein-protein+interaction+information.">Identification of breast cancer candidate genes using gene co-expression and protein-protein interaction information.</a> Oncotarget. 7 (24), 36092-36100 (2016).</li><li>Chen, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Association+of+polymorphisms+and+haplotype+in+the+region+of+TRIT1,+MYCL1+and+MFSD2A+with+the+risk+and+clinicopathological+features+of+gastric+cancer+in+a+southeast+Chinese+population.">Association of polymorphisms and haplotype in the region of TRIT1, MYCL1 and MFSD2A with the risk and clinicopathological features of gastric cancer in a southeast Chinese population.</a> Carcinogenesis. 34 (5), 1018-1024 (2013).</li><li>Spinola, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identification+and+functional+characterization+of+the+candidate+tumor+suppressor+gene+TRIT1+in+human+lung+cancer.">Identification and functional characterization of the candidate tumor suppressor gene TRIT1 in human lung cancer.</a> Oncogene. 24 (35), 5502-5509 (2005).</li><li>Spinola, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ethnic+differences+in+frequencies+of+gene+polymorphisms+in+the+MYCL1+region+and+modulation+of+lung+cancer+patients'+survival.">Ethnic differences in frequencies of gene polymorphisms in the MYCL1 region and modulation of lung cancer patients' survival.</a> Lung Cancer. 55 (3), 271-277 (2007).</li><li>Read, D. F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Aggregation+of+Mod5+is+affected+by+tRNA+binding+with+implications+for+tRNA+gene-mediated+silencing.">Aggregation of Mod5 is affected by tRNA binding with implications for tRNA gene-mediated silencing.</a> FEBS Letters. 591 (11), 1601-1610 (2017).</li><li>Waller, T. J., Read, D. F., Engelke, D. R., Smaldino, P. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+human+tRNA-modifying+protein,+TRIT1,+forms+amyloid+fibers+in+vitro.">The human tRNA-modifying protein, TRIT1, forms amyloid fibers in vitro.</a> Gene. 612, 19-24 (2017).</li><li>Suzuki, G., Shimazu, N., Tanaka, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+yeast+prion,+Mod5,+promotes+acquired+drug+resistance+and+cell+survival+under+environmental+stress.">A yeast prion, Mod5, promotes acquired drug resistance and cell survival under environmental stress.</a> Science. 336 (6079), 355-359 (2012).</li><li>Soderberg, T., Poulter, C. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Escherichia+coli+dimethylallyl+diphosphate:tRNA+dimethylallyltransferase:+site-directed+mutagenesis+of+highly+conserved+residues.">Escherichia coli dimethylallyl diphosphate:tRNA dimethylallyltransferase: site-directed mutagenesis of highly conserved residues.</a> Biochemistry. 40 (6), 1734-1740 (2001).</li><li>Lamichhane, T. N., Blewett, N. H., Maraia, R. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Plasticity+and+diversity+of+tRNA+anticodon+determinants+of+substrate+recognition+by+eukaryotic+A37+isopentenyltransferases.">Plasticity and diversity of tRNA anticodon determinants of substrate recognition by eukaryotic A37 isopentenyltransferases.</a> Rna. 17 (10), 1846-1857 (2011).</li><li>Lamichhane, T. N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lack+of+tRNA+modification+isopentenyl-A37+alters+mRNA+decoding+and+causes+metabolic+deficiencies+in+fission+yeast.">Lack of tRNA modification isopentenyl-A37 alters mRNA decoding and causes metabolic deficiencies in fission yeast.</a> Molecular and Cellular Biology. 33 (15), 2918-2929 (2013).</li><li>Laten, H., Gorman, J., Bock, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isopentenyladenosine+deficient+tRNA+from+an+antisuppressor+mutant+of+Saccharomyces+cerevisiae.">Isopentenyladenosine deficient tRNA from an antisuppressor mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.</a> Nucleic Acids Research. 5 (11), 4329-4342 (1978).</li><li>Etcheverry, T., Colby, D., Guthrie, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+precursor+to+a+minor+species+of+yeast+tRNASer+contains+an+intervening+sequence.">A precursor to a minor species of yeast tRNASer contains an intervening sequence.</a> Cell. 18 (1), 11-26 (1979).</li><li>Yan, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+high-throughput+quantitative+approach+reveals+more+small+RNA+modifications+in+mouse+liver+and+their+correlation+with+diabetes.">A high-throughput quantitative approach reveals more small RNA modifications in mouse liver and their correlation with diabetes.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 85 (24), 12173-12181 (2013).</li><li>Su, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantitative+analysis+of+ribonucleoside+modifications+in+tRNA+by+HPLC-coupled+mass+spectrometry.">Quantitative analysis of ribonucleoside modifications in tRNA by HPLC-coupled mass spectrometry.</a> Nature Protocols. 9 (4), 828-841 (2014).</li><li>Jonkhout, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+RNA+modification+landscape+in+human+disease.">The RNA modification landscape in human disease.</a> Rna. 23 (12), 1754-1769 (2017).</li><li>Dominissini, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+dynamic+N(1)-methyladenosine+methylome+in+eukaryotic+messenger+RNA.">The dynamic N(1)-methyladenosine methylome in eukaryotic messenger RNA.</a> Nature. 530 (7591), 441-446 (2016).</li><li>Meyer, K. 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RNA modifications continue to be shown to play ever more important and diverse roles in cellular and organismal function. As such, the development of assays to interrogate RNA modifying enzymes is central to better understanding the fundamental aspects of biology. This protocol describes a high-resolution in vitro assay to characterize the tRNA modification activity of Mod5.
This protocol has the distinct advantage of providing a direct, and easily interpretable readout of isopentenyl...

At least 163 distinct posttranscriptional RNA modifications have been identified, with these modifications conferring diverse and context-dependent functions to RNAs, directly influencing RNA structure, and affecting interactions of RNA with other molecules1,2. As the appreciation for the number and variety of RNA modifications increases, it is critical to develop assays that can reliably interrogate both the RNA modifications and the enzymes that catalyze them.
One of the first RNA modifications to be identified occurs at base 37 in tRNAs, adjacent to the anti-codon on the 3&#39; side3,4. An isopentenyl group is transferred from dimethylallylpyrophosphate (DMAPP) to the N6 position of adenosine 37 (i6A37) 3,5 on a subset of both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial tRNAs. i6A37 improves translation fidelity and efficiency by increasing the tRNA&#39;s affinity for the ribosome4,6 and i6A37 is important for stress response in bacteria7. The enzymes that perform this modification are termed tRNA isopentenyl transferases and are highly conserved in bacteria8,9, fungi10, worms11, plants12, and higher eukaryotes13, including humans14.
Mutations in the human tRNA isopentenyl transferase gene, TRIT1, are associated with human disease. For example, a mutation in TRIT1 is correlated with a severe mitochondrial disease, likely caused by a defect in mitochondrial protein synthesis15,16. Furthermore, TRIT1 has been described as a tumor suppressor gene17,18 and is implicated in several types of cancers including melanoma19, breast20, gastric21, and lung cancers22,23. Finally, TRIT1 and Mod5 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) isopentenyl transferases are aggregation-prone proteins that form prion-like amyloid fibers24,25,26. These observations potentially implicate tRNA isopentenyl transferases in neurodegenerative diseases, although direct evidence for this has not yet been shown.
Given the role that isopentenyl transferases play in translation and disease, methods that directly measure i6A isopentenyl transferase activity are important for a mechanistic understanding of these enzymes under normal and disease states. An increasing number of methods are available to detect i6A RNA modifications, including in vitro isopentenylation assays, positive hybridization in the absence of i6A (PHA6) assays, thin layer chromatography (TLC), amino acid acceptance activity assays, and mass spectrometry approaches (Reviewed in Ref. 4).
An in vitro isopentenylation assay has been described that utilizes 14C-DMAPP and unlabeled tRNAs. In this assay, radioactive carbon is transferred to RNA from 14C-DMAPP by the isopentenyl transferase. While this assay is highly sensitive, it is often difficult to determine the specific residue that is modified9,20,27. PHA6 assays rely on the bulky i6A modification interfering with hybridization of a 32P-labeled probe spanning the modified residue. As such, hybridization is greater in the absence of an i6A modification18,28,29. PHA6 assays are highly sensitive, and capable of analyzing total RNA extracted from cellular lysates. Additionally, the ability to design probes specific to the RNA of interest gives this method substantial target flexibility. However, PHA6 assays are limited to the characterization of modifications that occur on residues within the targeted region of the probe and therefore are less likely to identify novel modification sites. In addition, as absence of binding is indicative of modification, other modifications or mutations that affect RNA binding will confound data analysis.
Another approach combines benzyl DEAE cellulose (BD) cellulose chromatography with amino acid acceptance activity as a readout of i6A modifications in tRNA30. This approach directly assays the function of the i6A modification, but it is an indirect approach to detect i6A modification and lacks resolution to map modifications to a specific residue in the RNA. A TLC approach has been used to detect total tRNA i6A modifications. In this approach, internally 32P-labeled tRNAs are digested to single nucleotides and two-dimensional TLC analysis is used to identify isopentenylation. This approach is highly sensitive in detecting total i6A in a given RNA sample but upon digestion, all sequence information is lost; thus, the investigator has no way of determining which residues have been modified31.
More recently, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods have been developed that quantitatively compare total RNA modifications between species, cell types, and experimental conditions32,33,34. A limitation of this methodology is that it is less able to determine the identity and position within the RNA from which the modified nucleoside was derived34. Furthermore, the expertise and equipment necessary to execute these experiments limit the practicality of this approach.
In addition, several next-generation sequencing technologies have been developed to map RNA modifications transcriptome-wide34. Immunoprecipitation of RNAs with antibodies specific to a particular modification (RIP-Seq) enable the investigator to identify all sequences containing a specific modification35,36. Additionally, reverse transcriptase-based approaches such as Chem-Seq and non-random mismatch sequencing rely on perturbations of the reverse transcription reaction at the modified residues37,38,39. Despite the advantage of these techniques to map RNA modifications transcriptome-wide, RIP-seq and Chem-Seq technologies are limited by the lack of reliable antibodies or reactive chemicals available for each specific modification, respectively34. Furthermore, reverse transcriptase enzymes required to perform Chem-Seq and non-random mismatch sequencing techniques can be impeded by stable RNA structures. The highly modified and structurally stable nature of tRNAs make them especially difficult to interrogate using these techniques. To date, next-generation sequencing-based technologies have not yet been utilized to map i6A modifications34.
Herein, we describe a simple and direct approach to detect i6A tRNA modifications in vitro. This method utilizes incubation of RNAs with recombinant S. cerevisiae isopentenyl transferase (Mod5), followed by RNase T1 digestion, and 1-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis to map i6A modifications. This approach is direct and requires little specialized expertise to analyze the data. Furthermore, this method is adaptable to other RNA modifying enzymes, including enzymes that covalently change the molecular weight of RNA or an RNA&#39;s mobility through a gel.

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			<td style="width:176px;">National Diagnostics</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">EC-833</td>
			<td>As part of a kit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">UreaGel Buffer</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">National Diagnostics</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">EC-833</td>
			<td>As part of a kit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">10x TBE</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">National Diagnostics</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">EC-833</td>
			<td>As part of a kit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Ammonium persulfate (APS)</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">7727-54-0</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="63">
			<td height="63" style="height:63px;width:216px;">N,N,N&#8242;,N&#8242;-Tetramethylethylenediamine (TMED)</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">T9281</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Tris base</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">T1503</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Boric acid</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">10043-35-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">EDTA</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">60-00-4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">ATP</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">34369-07-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="25">
			<td height="25" style="height:25px;width:216px;">MgCl2</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">7786-30-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">DMAPP</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Caymen Chemical</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">1186-30-7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Super RNaseIN</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">AM2694</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">2-mercaptoethanol</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">60-24-2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Ethanol</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">64-17-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Sodiume acetate</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">127-09-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Rnase T1</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">EN0541</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Glycerol</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">56-81-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Xylene cyanol</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">2650-17-1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Equipment and Supplies</td>
			<td style="width:176px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Short glass plates (20-40 cm W x 40 cm L)</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">The Gel Company</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Long glass plates (20-40 cm W x 40 cm L)</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">The Gel Company</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Vertical gel apparatus</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">The Gel Company</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">S2-3040</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">50 mL disposable syringe</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">03-377-26</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Stainless steel binder clips</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Idea Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">1066</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Phosphoscreen</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">28-9564-74</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Plastic wrap</td>
			<td style="width:176px;">(local grocery store)</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

an in vitro assay to detect trna-isopentenyl transferase activity

N6-isopentenyladenosine RNA modifications are functionally diverse and highly conserved among prokaryotes and eukaryotes. One of the most highly conserved N6-isopentenyladenosine modifications occurs at the A37 position in a subset of tRNAs. This modification improves translation efficiency and fidelity by increasing the affinity of the tRNA for the ribosome. Mutation of enzymes responsible for this modification in eukaryotes are associated with several disease states, including mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer. Therefore, understanding the substrate specificity and biochemical activities of these enzymes is important for understanding of normal and pathologic eukaryotic biology. A diverse array of methods has been employed to characterize i6A modifications. Herein is described a direct approach for the detection of isopentenylation by Mod5. This method utilizes incubation of RNAs with a recombinant isopentenyl transferase, followed by RNase T1 digestion, and 1-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis to detect i6A modifications. In addition, the potential adaptability of this protocol to characterize other RNA-modifying enzymes is discussed.

Mod5 was incubated with a tyrosine tRNA or serine tRNA in the presence or absence of DMAPP. Following the modification reaction, products were RNase T1-digested, which cleaves the 3&#39; end of all guanosines leaving a 3&#39; guanosine monophosphates (GMP)24 (Figure 1). Full digestion of the RNAs produces a predictable pattern of radiolabeled fragments (Figure 2A), which are then resolved ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about An In Vitro Assay to Detect tRNA-Isopentenyl Transferase Activity at JoVE.com

An In Vitro Assay to Detect tRNA-Isopentenyl Transferase Activity

Here, we describe a protocol for the biochemical characterization of the yeast RNA-modifying enzyme, Mod5, and discuss how this protocol could be applied to other RNA-modifying enzymes.

An In Vitro Assay to Detect tRNA-Isopentenyl Transferase Activity

N6-isopentenyladenosine RNA modifications are functionally diverse and highly conserved among prokaryotes and eukaryotes. One of the most highly conserved ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Biochemistry

Detection of the pH-dependent Activity of Escherichia coli Chaperone HdeB In Vitro and In Vivo

Detection of the pH-dependent Activity of Escherichia coli Chaperone HdeB In Vitro and In Vivo

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A Fluorescence-based Assay of Phospholipid Scramblase Activity

Scramblases translocate phospholipids across the membrane bilayer bidirectionally in an ATP-independent manner. The first scramblase to be identified and ...

Identification of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 Specific Phosphorylation Sites by an In Vitro Kinase Assay

Identification of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 Specific Phosphorylation Sites by an In Vitro Kinase Assay

Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) is a master controller for the cell cycle in all eukaryotes and phosphorylates an estimated 8 - 13% of the proteome; ...

Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro

This study presents laboratory methods for the quantification of hypopigmentation activity in vitro. Melanin, the major pigment in melanocytes, is ...

A Colorimetric Assay of Citrate Synthase Activity in Drosophila Melanogaster

A Colorimetric Assay of Citrate Synthase Activity in Drosophila Melanogaster

Mitochondria play the most prominent roles in cellular metabolism by producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation and regulating a variety of ...

An In Vitro Single-Molecule Imaging Assay for the Analysis of Cap-Dependent Translation Kinetics

An In Vitro Single-Molecule Imaging Assay for the Analysis of Cap-Dependent Translation Kinetics

Cap-dependent protein synthesis is the predominant translation pathway in eukaryotic cells. While various biochemical and genetic approaches have allowed ...

A High-Throughput Enzyme-Coupled Activity Assay to Probe Small Molecule Interaction with the dNTPase SAMHD1

Sterile alpha motif and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) is a pivotal regulator of intracellular deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) pools, as this ...

Continuous Fluorescence-Based Endonuclease-Coupled DNA Methylation Assay to Screen for DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors

DNA methylation, a form of epigenetic gene regulation, is important for normal cellular function. In cells, proteins called DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) ...

DetectSyn: A Rapid, Unbiased Fluorescent Method to Detect Changes in Synapse Density

Synapses are the site of communication between neurons. Neuronal circuit strength is related to synaptic density, and the breakdown of synapses is ...

Measuring Caspase Activity Using a Fluorometric Assay or Flow Cytometry

The activation of cysteine proteases, known as caspases, remains an important process in multiple forms of cell death. Caspases are critical initiators ...