Affiliation:
1. Analytical Development CureVac SE Friedrich-Miescher-Str. 15 72076 Tübingen Germany
2. Institut für Organische Chemie und Chemische Biologie Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt am Main Germany
Abstract
AbstractThe effectivity and safety of mRNA vaccines critically depends on the presence of correct 5’ caps and poly‐A tails. Due to the high molecular mass of full‐size mRNAs, however, the direct analysis by mass spectrometry is hardly possible. Here we describe the use of synthetic ribonucleases to cleave off 5’ and 3’ terminal fragments which can be further analyzed by HPLC or by LC–MS. Compared to existing methods (e. g. RNase H), the new approach uses robust catalysts, is free of sequence limitations, avoids metal ions and combines fast sample preparation with high precision of the cut.