GEN-Thermo_Oct22_MakingThePromiseOf - Cover3

RNA molecules like those in the current Pfizer and
Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
" The analysis of RNA data from mass spectrometry
has been a relatively laborious process, lacking the
tools found in other areas of biological research,
and so our aim with Pytheas is to bring the field into
the 21st century, " said study senior author James
Williamson, PhD, professor in the department of
integrative structural and computational biology, and
vice president of research and academic affairs at
Scripps Research.
Pytheas should be useful with both natural and
synthetic RNAs. Natural RNAs often have modifications
that affect their functions, while the synthetic
RNAs used for vaccines and RNA-based drugs are
almost always modified artificially to optimize their
activity and reduce side effects.
Up until now, methods for processing raw mass spectrometry
data on modified RNAs have been relatively
slow and manual-thus, very labor-intensive-in
contrast to corresponding methods in the field of
protein analysis, for example.
Williamson and his team developed Pytheas, which
is based on the Python programming language, to
greatly improve the automation of this processing.
The app takes mass spec data on an RNA sample as
the input, and outputs the predicted RNA sequences
and chemical modifications, in a way that also makes
it easy to quantify distinct RNAs in a sample.
The team demonstrated Pytheas' speed, accuracy, and
versatility using mass spectrometry data for important
bacterial and yeast RNAs, and for SARS-CoV-2 spike
protein messenger-RNAs like those used in the Pfizer
and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
" We're hoping that companies involved in manufacturing
RNA vaccines and other RNA therapeutics will
find Pytheas useful, for example in monitoring the
quality of their products, " Williamson said.
The researchers are now using Pytheas in their studies
of natural RNAs, and they are continuing to optimize
the software.
Decipher Complexity with Clarity
This innovative charge detection
technique, available on Thermo Scientific™
Q Exactive™ UHMR mass spectrometer,
transforms the understanding of
complex biotherapeutics and other large
macromolecular complexes by revealing
small changes in exquisite detail.
Discover the Technology
40 | GENengnews.com

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GEN-Thermo_Oct22_MakingThePromiseOf

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