Protein-RNA interactions are central to gene expression, RNA processing, localization, and stability, with dysregulation linked to diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and viral infections. Understanding these interactions is critical for unraveling molecular mechanisms of cellular function and pathology, as well as for developing targeted therapies. However, accurately capturing these dynamic, context-dependent complexes remains technically challenging due to their transient nature, low abundance, and structural diversity. Robust, reproducible methods are essential to advance both basic research and translational applications.
This Methods Collection aims to consolidate cutting-edge and established techniques for studying protein-RNA interactions, providing a comprehensive resource that addresses methodological gaps. Examples of methods and protocols to be included in this Methods Collection are electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), fluorescence polarization, CLIP-seq, RIP-seq, crosslinking strategies, and emerging technologies like single-molecule imaging and CRISPR-based screening.
Such a compilation can inform researchers of the diverse range of strategies to measure the interactions between proteins and RNAs in vitro and in cells and help them select optimal workflows for their specific needs. It also empowers the research community to decode complex RNA-protein networks with higher precision, driving breakthroughs in biomedicine and biotechnology.
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2026
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Lingxiu Tong*1,2, Yiting Ye*1,2, Wanyin Jiang*1,2, Yingying Ye*1,3, Xiaolian Shi1, Siyuan Song1,2, Lumei Zhou1,2, Lan Ye3, Yang Li4, Ke Zheng1,2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, 2Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 3School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 4School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University