Mass Spectrometry‐Based Proteomics for Assessing Epitranscriptomic Regulations

Abstract

Epitranscriptomics is a rapidly evolving field that explores chemical modifications in RNA and how they contribute to dynamic and reversible regulations of gene expression. These modifications, for example, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), are crucial in various RNA metabolic processes, including splicing, stability, subcellular localization, and translation efficiency of mRNAs. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics has become an indispensable tool in unraveling the complexities of epitranscriptomics, offering high‐throughput, precise protein identification, and accurate quantification of differential protein expression. Over the past two decades, advances in mass spectrometry, including the improvement of high‐resolution mass spectrometers and innovative sample preparation methods, have allowed researchers to perform in‐depth analyses of epitranscriptomic regulations. This review focuses on the applications of bottom‐up proteomics in the field of epitranscriptomics, particularly in identifying and quantifying epitranscriptomic reader, writer, and eraser (RWE) proteins and in characterizing their functions, posttranslational modifications, and interactions with other proteins. Together, by leveraging modern proteomics, researchers can gain deep insights into the intricate regulatory networks of RNA modifications, advancing fundamental biology, and fostering potential therapeutic applications.