Patent Description:
In Eukaryotic systems, non-mitochondrial messenger RNA (mRNA) are capped at the <NUM>' end by an inverted <NUM>-methylguanosine (m7G) (<FIG>) joined to the transcript by a <NUM>' to <NUM>' triphosphate linkage, m7G(<NUM>')ppp(<NUM>')N, referred to as Cap(<NUM>) (<FIG>). Once added to the transcript the first nucleotide in the strand (N), is then methylated at the <NUM>' hydroxyl position to give the Cap(<NUM>) structure, m7G(<NUM>')ppp(<NUM>')Nm (<FIG>). For example, <FIG> shows <NUM>'-O-methyladenosine. Alternately, Nm can be <NUM>'-O-methylguanosine (Gm), <NUM>'-O-methylcytosine Cm, or <NUM>'-O-methyluridine (Um). Capping, as well as polyadenylation, help the transcript to resist degradation by the innate exonucleases in the cell. Besides blocking <NUM>' to <NUM>' exonucleases, the <NUM>' cap facilitates exportation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and aids the translation initiation process by acting as a determinate for ribosomal docking complexes.

Further alteration of the transcript called splicing events also rely on the cap structure. Parts of the transcript termed intragenic regions, or introns, are removed and the cleaved sections rejoined, leaving the coding region to be expressed (exon). The coding region is flanked on both sides, <NUM>' and <NUM>', by an untranslated region, a stretch of RNA which is not translated into protein but does influence translation. A matured mRNA transcript then consists of <NUM> sections, the <NUM>' cap, the <NUM>' UTR, the coding region, the <NUM>' UTR and finally the polyadenylated tail (see <FIG>).

Due to recent events, particularly the COVID pandemic, mRNA has been widely adopted as a useful therapy, such as various mRNA based COVID vaccines. Production of non-natural transcripts by in vitro transcription, may require the addition of the modified cap structure post purification to achieve the desired therapeutic function. Modified <NUM>' caps can include an anti-reverse cap analogs (ARCA) (<CIT>), TriLink Biotechnology's CleanCap analogs, or by a vaccinia capping enzyme followed by a methyltransferase reaction. Production of transcripts do necessitate analytical examination to determine reaction outcome and yield, however due to the size of the transcripts a direct measurement, such as with mass spectrometry, is technologically challenging. As such, improved techniques for measuring the capping and methylation efficiency are desirable. "<NPL>, describes a complete workflow starting from in vitro transcription to produce mRNAs, via their enzymatic modification at the cap with natural or non-natural moieties to the quantification of these cap-modifications by LC-QqQ-MS.

There is described herein a first kit for quantifying mRNA capping efficiency can include an enzyme mixture including a Nuclease P1 and Sweet Potato Acid Phosphatase; and a standard mixture including isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside. In various examples, the <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside can be Am, Gm, Um, or Cm.

The kit can further a buffer solution. In particular examples, the buffer solution can include ZnCl<NUM>, such as at a ZnCl<NUM> concentration of between about <NUM> mmol and about <NUM> mmol. In particular examples, the buffer solution has a concentration of divalent cations of less than <NUM> mmol. In particular examples, the buffer solution can have a pH of between about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as between about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In various examples of the first kit, the enzyme mixture can further include RNase T1.

In various examples of the first kit, the enzyme mixture can be a lyophilized powder.

In various examples of the first kit, the standards mixture can be a lyophilized powder.

In various examples of the first kit, the isotopically labeled m7G and the isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside includes deuterium labeled m7G(D) and deuterium labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside.

In various examples of the first kit, the isotopically labeled m7G and the isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside are N<NUM> labeled or C<NUM> labeled.

In various examples of the first kit, the isotopically labeled m7G and the isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside in the standards mixture can be in a molar ratio of between about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>. In particular examples, the standards mixture can include equimolar amounts of isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside.

There is also described herein a second kit for quantifying mRNA capping efficiency can include an enzyme mixture including a non-specific, single-stranded nuclease and an acid phosphatase; a standard mixture including isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside; and a buffer solution.

In various examples of the second kit, the non-specific, single-stranded nuclease can include Nuclease P1.

In various examples of the second kit, the acid phosphatase cannot be inhibited by adenosine monophosphate.

In various examples of the second kit, the acid phosphatase can include Sweet Potato Acid Phosphatase.

In various examples of the second kit, the enzyme mixture can include a site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease.

In various examples of the second kit, the site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease can cleave RNA <NUM>' of a guanosine.

In various examples of the second kit, the site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease can include Ribonuclease T1.

In various examples of the second kit, the enzyme mixture can be a lyophilized powder.

In various examples of the second kit, the standards mixture can be a lyophilized powder.

In various examples of the first kit, the isotopically labeled m7G and the isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside include deuterium labeled m7G(D) and deuterium labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside.

In various examples of the second kit, the isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside in the standards mixture can be in a molar ratio of between about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>. In particular examples, the standards mixture can include equimolar amounts of isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside.

In various examples of the second kit, the buffer can include ZnCl<NUM> in a concentration range of about <NUM> and about <NUM>, such as between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In particular examples, the buffer can include less than <NUM> of divalent cations.

In various examples of the second kit, the buffer has a pH of between about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as between about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In an aspect in accordance with the claims appended hereto, a method for quantifying mRNA capping efficiency can include combining an mRNA sample, an enzyme mixture, and an isotopic standard solution in a buffer solution to create an incubation mixture, the enzyme mixture including a non-specific, single-stranded nuclease and an acid phosphatase and the isotopic standard including isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside; incubating the mixture; analyzing the mixture using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine at least one of a capping efficiency and a <NUM>'-O-methyltransferase efficiency.

In various embodiments of the method, incubating the mixture can be performed at a temperature of between about <NUM> and <NUM>, such as between about <NUM> and <NUM>.

In various embodiments of the method, non-specific, single-stranded nuclease can include Nuclease P1.

In various embodiments of the method, acid phosphatase cannot be inhibited by adenosine monophosphate.

In various embodiments of the method, the acid phosphatase can include Sweet Potato Acid Phosphatase.

In various embodiments of the method, the enzyme mixture can further include a site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease. In particular embodiments, the site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease can cleave RNA <NUM>' of a guanosine. In particular embodiments, the site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease can include Ribonuclease T1. In further embodiments, incubating the mixture can be performed at a temperature of between about <NUM> and <NUM>.

In various embodiments of the method, the incubation mixture can include between about <NUM> units and about <NUM> units of the site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease, such as between about <NUM> and about <NUM> units.

In various embodiments of the method, the method can further include solubilizing a lyophilized enzyme mixture with the sample buffer to obtain the enzyme mixture.

In various embodiments of the method, the method can further include solubilizing a lyophilized standards mixture with the sample buffer to obtain the standards mixture.

In various embodiments of the method, the incubation mixture can include between about <NUM> units and about <NUM> units of the acid phosphatase, such as between about <NUM> units and about <NUM> units.

In various embodiments of the method, the incubation mixture can include between about <NUM> unit and <NUM> units of the non-specific, single-stranded nuclease, such as between about <NUM> units and about <NUM> units.

In various embodiments of the method, the isotopically labeled m7G and the isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside includes deuterium labeled m7G(D) and deuterium labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside.

In various embodiments of the method, the isotopically labeled m7G and the isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside are N<NUM> labeled or C<NUM> labeled.

In various embodiments of the method, the isotopically labeled m7G and the isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside in the standards mixture are in a molar ratio of between about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, such as in equimolar amounts of isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside.

In various embodiments of the method, the incubation mixture can include an amount of isotopically labeled m7G of between about <NUM> nmol and <NUM> nmol. In particular embodiments, the incubation mixture can include an amount of isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside of between about <NUM> nmol and about <NUM> nmol.

In various embodiments of the method, the buffer can include ZnCl<NUM> in a concentration range of about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the buffer can include ZnCl<NUM> in a concentration range of about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

In various embodiments of the method, the incubation mixture can include less than <NUM> of divalent cations.

In various embodiments of the method, the buffer can have a pH of between about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as between about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In various embodiments of the method, analyzing the mixture using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry further includes separating the mixture using a chromatography column, obtaining m/z and intensity data using the mass spectrometer, identifying and integrating the peaks for m7G and isotopically labeled m7G, peaks for <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside, or both; calculating a m7G:isotopically labeled m7G peak ratio, a <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside:isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside peak ratio, or both; and determining the capping efficiency based on the m7G: isotopically labeled m7G peak ratio, the <NUM>'-O-methyltransferase efficiency based on the <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside : isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside peak ratio or both.

Embodiments of ion mobility enhanced qualitative and quantitative methods are described herein.

In this detailed description of the various embodiments, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that these various embodiments may be practiced with or without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form. Furthermore, one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the specific sequences in which methods are presented and performed are illustrative and it is contemplated that the sequences can be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments disclosed herein.

Production of transcripts can necessitate analytical examination to determine reaction outcome and yield. However, due to the size of the transcripts. a direct measurement, such as with mass spectrometry, is technically challenging. Two published analytical methods using enzymes to digest the transcripts into a more manageable size range have been developed. The first, named CapMap, uses the digestive enzyme nuclease P1 to reduce the intact transcript down to its individual <NUM>' phosphorylated nucleotides and reported to also produce the cap dinucleotide. The digestion mixture is then spiked with an ARCA dinucleotide, separated on a porous graphitic carbon packed chromatography column, and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Two challenges are observed with this method, the first being control of the digestion enzyme, with the second being the chromatography platform. It is well known that the enzyme nuclease P1, which the authors use as the sole digestive system, results in the production of <NUM>' monophosphates. All cap structures are joined <NUM>' to <NUM>', which when subjected to nuclease P1, results in cleavage of the m7G nucleotide as well as the first nucleotide in the strand, usually the <NUM>'-O-methyladenosine, although other <NUM>'-O-mythelated nucleosides are possible. Secondly porous graphitic carbon packed chromatography columns are known to degrade over injections and needs to be reconditioned. Taken together, the CAPMAP approach could yield an incorrect measurement, either by partial digestion or poor chromatographic peak integration.

The second method uses the digestive enzyme RNase H. RNase H will cleave the RNA strand in an RNA:DNA double stranded hybrid at the Watson-Crick RNA:DNA base pair. The method, published by Beverly (<NPL>) involves designing a biotinylated molecular probe ~<NUM> nt in length, complementary to the <NUM>' end of the transcript. The probe is annealed to the <NUM>' end of the mRNA, followed by complexing to magnetic beads, then subjected to an RNase H digestion. The cleaved products are separated by a magnet, washed, eluted from bead and probe with hot methanol water, dried, then analyzed by LC-MS. The results will show that capping has occurred. However, the authors of the method note that their recovery rate was less than <NUM>%. Furthermore, published data on RNase H1, the commercially available enzyme referenced in the Beverly paper, will not cleave at a single RNA:DNA base pair, but will instead produce multiple cleavage products down strand from the chimeric base pairing. When replicating the digestion, it is possible to detect multiple different oligonucleotides, with <NUM>' cleaved ends <NUM> to <NUM> nucleotides down strand from the RNA:DNA base pair. Furthermore, due to sequence homology between different nucleotide sections of the <NUM>' end of the mRNA, off target RNase H cleavage products can also detected at high abundance.

Described herein is a method for direct measurement of both <NUM>' capping as well as <NUM>'-O-methyltransferase efficiency. An aliquot of mRNA can be spiked with a known amount of isotopically labeled m<NUM>G and an isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside, such as <NUM>'-O-methyladenosine (Am), <NUM>'-O-methylguanosine (Gm), <NUM>'-O-methylcytosine Cm, or <NUM>'-O-methyluridine (Um). <FIG> shows isotopically labeled m<NUM>G labeled with <NUM> deuterium atoms at the methyl group m<NUM>G(D). Similarly, <FIG> shows isotopically labeled Am labeled with <NUM> deuterium atoms at the methyl group Am(D). A single enzymatic digestion can then be performed to reduce the mRNA to its individual nucleosides. The spiked digest can then be separated chromatographically using a simple ammonium-based buffer system and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Accurate quantification can be performed by comparing peak areas of heavy vs light m7G/<NUM>'O-methylated nucleoside.

In other embodiments, the isotopically labeled standard can include isotopically labeled <NUM>' phosphate-m<NUM>G and an isotopically labeled <NUM>'-phosphate-<NUM>'-O-methylated nucleotide. In this scenario, the phosphatase can cleave the <NUM>' phosphate from the isotopically labeled standards resulting in the isotopically labeled methylated nucleosides.

Mass spectrometry has proven to be a robust and reliable application for the direct measurement of biomolecules. By transitioning a biomolecule from a liquid or solid substrate into the gas phase as an ion, the mass of the ion can be detected and measured. One method for producing the ion is electrospray ionization (ESI). Quantification of molecules produced by ESI can be performed using a standard curve, where known amounts of a synthetic standard are acquired and the results plotted, the equation of the slope can be used to find the concentration of the target in a sample. Challenges posed by generation of a standard curve are predominately finding/generating a synthetic standard and matching the matrix of the target sample. Matrix matching is important due to the nature of ESI, where every polar molecule in a sample competes for surface charge. This competition for charge can cause the measured response in the sample to vary from that of the standard curve, causing error in measurement. A more accurate measurement of a molecule is performed by spiking the sample with an isotopically labeled standard. In this method, a synthetic standard of the target molecule is created, where one or more of the atoms are replaced with its stable isotope, C<NUM> for carbon, N<NUM> for nitrogen and Deuterium (D) for hydrogen. A known amount of the stable isotope labeled standard (SILS) is spiked into the sample and the sample is processed and acquired. Since the SILS is structurally identical to the target molecule, it will have identical elution profile as the molecule under investigation, the only difference being a shift in mass. The spiked SILS will undergo the same ionization charge competition as the target molecule, avoiding any measurement errors that may have arisen when trying to match matrices. By taking the ratio of the heavy to light peak areas, the amount of target molecule is quantified. For RNA nucleoside analysis the main hinderance to this approach was the availability of SILS. The approach described herein uses only the purified heavy labeled nucleoside molecule as an internal standard, without the need for cell culture, RNA purification, and dilution of the sample, and results in a precise measurement of the target molecule.

<FIG> illustrates method <NUM> of measuring <NUM>' capping efficiency and/or <NUM>'-O-methyltransferase efficiency. At <NUM>, the mRNA sample can be spiked with isotopically labeled standards, such as isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside. In various embodiments, the isotopically labeled m7G and <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside can be deuterium labeled, such as m7G(D) and Am(D), or can be labeled with N<NUM> or C<NUM>. In various embodiments, the isotopically labeled m7G and the isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside can be in a molar ratio of between about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, such as in equimolar amounts. The concentration of the standard can be such that the amount of isotopically labeled m7G in an incubation mixture can be between about <NUM> nmol and <NUM> nmol and the amount of isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside in the incubation mixture of between about <NUM> nmol and about <NUM> nmol.

At <NUM>, an enzyme mixture can be added to the sample. The enzyme mixture can include a non-specific, single-stranded nuclease, such as Nuclease P1, and an acid phosphatase, such as Sweet Potato Acid Phosphatase. A significant feature of the acid phosphatase can be that it is not inhibited by adenosine monophosphate, as digestion of the mRNA to monophosphates by Nuclease P1 would result in production of adenosine monophosphate that may inhibit some acid phosphatases. Optionally, the enzyme mixture can include a site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease, such as an endonuclease that cleaves RNA <NUM>'of a guanosine. Examples of site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease that cleave RNA <NUM>'of a guanosine include RNase T1, RNase N1, RNase Sa, Barnase, and other similar endonuclease.

In various embodiments, the enzyme mixture can include sufficient non-specific, single-stranded nuclease such that between about <NUM> units and about <NUM> units of the non-specific, single-stranded nuclease is added to the mRNA sample, such as between about <NUM> units and about <NUM> units. In various embodiments, the enzyme mixture can include sufficient acid phosphatase such that between about <NUM> units and about <NUM> units of the acid phosphatase is added to the mRNA sample, such as between about <NUM> units and about <NUM> units. In various embodiments, the enzyme mixture can include sufficient site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease (when present) such that between about <NUM> units and about <NUM> units of the site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease is added to the mRNA sample, such as between about <NUM> units and about <NUM> units. It is know that increasing the amount of enzyme can shorten the time to completion and one of skill in the art can identify a suitable amount of enzyme for a desired incubation period.

In various embodiments, the mRNA sample, the isotopically labeled standard, and/or the enzyme mixture can be dry and reconstituted by adding a buffer solution. For example, the mRNA sample can be precipitated and the supernatant can be removed, such as to remove salts and solvents from the synthesis of the mRNA that can interfere with the enzymatic digestion. In a further example, the isotopically labeled standard and the enzyme mixture can be provided as a lyophilized powder, such as to extend shelf life Alternatively, the standard or enzyme mixture can be frozen solutions that are thawed as needed. In various embodiments, the precipitated mRNA can be reconstituted with a specified amount of buffer and the enzyme mixture and isotopically labeled standards can be added in specific amounts. Alternatively, specific amounts of the enzyme mixture and isotopically labeled standards can be added to the precipitated mRNA and the mRNA can be reconstituted such as by mixing.

In various embodiments, the buffer can include ZnCl<NUM> in a concentration range of about <NUM> and about <NUM>, such as in a concentration range of about <NUM> and about <NUM>. Further, the incubation mixture includes less than <NUM> of divalent cations. In various embodiments, the buffer can have a pH of between about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as a pH of between about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

At <NUM>, an enzymatic digestion of the mRNA can be performed. In various embodiments, the incubation mixture including the mRNA, the isotopically labeled standards, and the enzyme mixture can be incubated at a temperature of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, such as between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, even between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The enzymatic digestion can be carried out for sufficient time for the nuclease(s) to digest the mRNA to component nucleotides and for the acid phosphatase to convert the nucleotides to nucleosides by remove the phosphates from the nucleotides. In various embodiments, the enzymatic digestion can be carrier out for at least about <NUM> minutes, such as at least about <NUM> minutes, such as at least about <NUM> hour, such as at least about <NUM> hours, such as at least about overnight (∼<NUM>-<NUM> hours). Generally, the enzymatic digestion can be less than about a day.

At <NUM>, the digested sample can be chromatographically separated, and, at <NUM>, the chromatographically separated sample can be analyzed by mass spectrometry. This can include obtaining m/z and intensity data using the mass spectrometer, identifying and integrating the peaks for m7G and isotopically labeled m7G and/or the peaks for <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside. Further, at <NUM>, the capping efficiency can be determined from the m7G: isotopically labeled m7G peak ratio and the <NUM>-O-methyltransferase efficiency can be determined based on the <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside:isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside peak ratio.

In various embodiments, a kit for quantifying mRNA capping efficiency can include an enzyme mixture and an isotopically labeled standards mixture. The enzyme mixture and the isotopically labeled standards mixture can be lyophilized powders that can be reconstituted with the addition of a buffer. In other embodiments, enzyme mixture and the isotopically labeled standards mixture can be solutions, such as frozen solutions. It can be advantageous for the enzyme mixture and the isotopically labeled standards mixture can be in small quantities, such as single use tubes sufficient for one or a few reactions rather than bulk solutions that can be used for dozens of reactions.

The enzyme mixture can include a non-specific, single-stranded nuclease and an acid phosphatase. The non-specific, single-stranded nuclease can include a Nuclease P1. The acid phosphatase can be an acid phosphatase that is not inhibited by adenosine monophosphate, such as Sweet Potato Acid Phosphatase. The enzyme mixture can include a site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease, such as a site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease that cleaves RNA <NUM>' of a guanosine. In various embodiments, the site-specific, single-stranded RNA endonuclease can include RNase T1, RNase N1, RNase Sa, Barnase, and other similar endonuclease.

The isotopically labeled standards mixture can include isotopically labeled m7G and <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside. Generally, the isotopically labeled standards mixture can include heavy stable isotopes incorporated into the compounds of the standard. The use of heavy stable isotopes can shift the m/z charge ratio without altering the chemical properties of the compounds allowing for their use as internal standards in mass spectroscopy. In various embodiments, the isotopically labeled standard mixture can include isotopically labeled m7G and <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside. The isotopically labeled m7G and the <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside can be deuterium labeled, N<NUM> labeled, C<NUM> labeled, O<NUM> labeled, O<NUM> labeled, or any combination thereof. The isotopically labeled standards mixture can include isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside in a molar ratio of between about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, such as equimolar amounts of isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside.

In other embodiments, the isotopically labeled standards mixture can include isotopically labeled <NUM>' phosphate-m<NUM>G and an isotopically labeled <NUM>'-phosphate-<NUM>'-O-methylated nucleotide. In this scenario, the phosphatase can cleave the <NUM>' phosphate from the isotopically labeled standards resulting in the isotopically labeled methylated nucleosides.

The kit may also include a buffer solution. The buffer solution can include ZnCl<NUM> such as in a concentration of between about <NUM> mmol and about <NUM> mmol. The buffer solution can have a concentration of divalent cations of less than <NUM> mmol. The buffer solution has a pH of between about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as between about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a liquid chromatography system <NUM>. The liquid chromatography system <NUM> comprises an analytical pump <NUM> to pump a solvent through the system <NUM>. The system <NUM> comprises a sample reservoir <NUM> comprising a sample to be analysed. The system <NUM> further comprises a separation column <NUM> and a detector <NUM>. System <NUM> also comprises a controller <NUM>.

The liquid chromatography system <NUM> is adapted to retrieve a sample from the sample reservoir <NUM>. The sample can then be introduced into the system.

The liquid chromatography system <NUM> is further adapted to introduce the sample into the separation column <NUM>.

The system <NUM> is also adapted to inject the sample into the separation column <NUM> by means of the analytical flow. This can be done by guiding the sample by means of the analytical pump <NUM>. The separation column <NUM> can separate the sample into component species based on retention time within the separation column <NUM>. After separation of the sample by the separation column <NUM>, the separated components can be detected by a detector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the detector 608can be an optical detector, such as an absorption detector, refractive index detector, a fluorescence detector, or the like. In other embodiments, the detector 608can be a conductivity detector or an electrochemical detector. In yet other embodiments, the detector 608can be a mass spectrometer.

In various embodiments, the separation column <NUM> generally consists of a tube packed with a stationary phase medium. The stationary phase medium can affect the time it takes for a compound to travel through the column (retention time). The effect can be different for different compounds, such that individual components of a sample can be separated based on their respective retention times. There are a variety of stationary phase mediums, including porous materials, ionic materials, polar materials, non-polar materials, and the like. Porous materials can affect retention time based on the size of a molecule and the ability of the molecule to enter the porous material. Ionic materials can affect retention time based on charge attraction or repulsion between the ionic material and the compounds. Polar and non-polar materials can affect retention time based on the hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of the compounds.

In various embodiments, nucleotides and nucleosides can be separated using a reverse phase separation in which a hydrophobic non-polar stationary phase material is used along with mobile phase with varying hydrophobicity depending on the ratio of polar to organic solvents. For example, a C18 column can be used with an ammonium acetate or ammonium formate buffer system to separate the nucleosides. In particular embodiments, an aqueous mobile phase of <NUM> ammonium acetate at a pH of about <NUM> can be used and a gradient of increasing concentrations of acetonitrile (up to about <NUM>%) or methanol (up to about <NUM>%) can be used to separate the nucleosides. Suitable columns and buffer systems would be apparent to one of skill in the art and are within the scope of this disclosure.

In other embodiments, nucleotides and nucleosides can be separated using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) in which a hydrophilic stationary phase material is used along with hydrophobic mobile phase, such as acetonitrile. Suitable columns and buffer systems would be apparent to one of skill in the art and are within the scope of this disclosure.

Various embodiments of mass spectrometry platform <NUM> can include components as displayed in the block diagram of <FIG>. In various embodiments, mass spectrometry platform <NUM> can operate as a detector <NUM> of system <NUM>. In various embodiments, elements of <FIG> can be incorporated into mass spectrometry platform <NUM>. According to various embodiments, mass spectrometer <NUM> can include an ion source <NUM>, a mass analyzer <NUM>, an ion detector <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the ion source <NUM> generates a plurality of ions from a sample. The ion source can include, but is not limited to, a matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) source, electrospray ionization (ESI) source, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source, atmospheric pressure photoionization source (APPI), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source, electron ionization source, chemical ionization source, photoionization source, glow discharge ionization source, thermospray ionization source, and the like.

In various embodiments, the mass analyzer <NUM> can separate ions based on a mass-to-charge ratio of the ions. For example, the mass analyzer <NUM> can include a quadrupole mass filter analyzer, a quadrupole ion trap analyzer, a time-of-flight (TOF) analyzer, an electrostatic trap (e.g., Orbitrap) mass analyzer, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass analyzer, and the like. In various embodiments, the mass analyzer <NUM> can also be configured to fragment the ions using collision induced dissociation (CID) electron transfer dissociation (ETD), electron capture dissociation (ECD), photo induced dissociation (PID), surface induced dissociation (SID), and the like, and further separate the fragmented ions based on the mass-to-charge ratio.

In various embodiments, the ion detector <NUM> can detect ions. For example, the ion detector <NUM> can include an electron multiplier, a Faraday cup, and the like. Ions leaving the mass analyzer can be detected by the ion detector. In various embodiments, the ion detector can be quantitative, such that an accurate count of the ions can be determined.

Claim 1:
A method for quantifying mRNA capping efficiency comprising:
combining an mRNA sample, an enzyme mixture, and an isotopic standard solution in a buffer solution to create an incubation mixture, the enzyme mixture including a non-specific, single-stranded nuclease and an acid phosphatase and the isotopic standard including isotopically labeled m7G and isotopically labeled <NUM>'-O-methylated nucleoside (Am, Gm, Cm, or Um);
incubating the mixture; and
analyzing the mixture using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine at least one of a capping efficiency and a <NUM>'-O-methyltransferase efficiency.