New model can predict multiple RNA modifications simultaneously

The ability to predict and interpret modifications of ribonucleic acid (RNA) has been a welcome advance in biochemistry research. However, existing predictive approaches have a key drawback--they can only predict a single type of RNA modification without supporting multiple types or providing insightful interpretation of their prediction results. Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, led by Dr Jia Meng, have addressed this issue by developing a model that supports 12 RNA modification types, greatly expanding RNA research prediction and interpretation. "To the best of our knowledge, these 12 are the only widely occurring RNA modifications that can be profiled transcriptome-wide with existing base-resolution technologies. This makes them highly desirable for reliable large-scale prediction," Dr Meng said.