« RNA chemical modifications function as an additional code layered on top of genetic information, guiding its decoding and shaping the cell’s identity. »
Our Science
The early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of recovery. By combining mass spectrometry and artificial intelligence, our approach allows the development of actionable « epitranscriptomic » profiles for the detection and personalized management of cancers.
The epitranscriptome, an emerging field with strong clinical potential, opens new perspectives in medicine. RNA, the essential intermediary of genetic information, undergoes numerous chemical modifications that are added to the genetic sequence.
This « chemical code, » known as the epitranscriptome, plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and cellular identity. During tumor transformation, the epitranscriptomic landscape is profoundly altered, contributing to cancer progression and its resistance to treatments. The specific chemical signatures of these alterations are released by tumor cells and can be detected in the bloodstream.
Our unique approach enables the identification of these epitranscriptomic signatures and their use as biomarkers for early and accurate diagnosis.
Relevant Publications
Amalric A., Attina A., Bastide A., Buffard M., Mateus S., Planque C., Rivals E., Hirtz C.*, and David A. A Mass Spectrometry-Based Pipeline for Identifying RNA Modifications Involved in a Functional Process: Application to Cancer Cell Adaptation. Analytical Chemistry. 2024, 96, 5, 1825–1833.
Eloy Santos-Pujol, Carlos Quero-Dotor, Manel Esteller. Clinical Perspectives in Epitranscriptomics, Current Opinion in Genetics & Development, 2024, Volume 87, 102209,
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Charting a Future for Sequencing RNA and Its Modifications: A New Era for Biology and Medicine.
Relier S, Amalric A, Attina A, Koumare IB, Rigau V, Burel Vandenbos F, Fontaine D, Baroncini M, Hugnot JP, Duffau H, Bauchet L, Hirtz C, Rivals E & David A. Multivariate analysis of RNA chemistry marks uncovers epitranscriptomics-based biomarker signature for adult diffuse glioma diagnostics. Analytical Chemistry. 2022
Amalric A., Bastide A., Attina A., Choquet A., Vialaret J., Lehmann S., David A., Hirtz C. Quantifying RNA modifications by mass spectrometry: a novel source of biomarkers in oncology. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2021Sep 2;1-18. doi: 10.1080/10408363.2021.1958743
Relier S, Ripoll J, Guillorit H, Amalric A, Boissière F, Vialaret J, Attina A, Debart F, Choquet A, Macari F, Samalin E, Vasseur JJ, Pannequin J, Crapez E, Hirtz C, Rivals E*, Bastide A* & David A. FTO-mediated cytoplasmic m6Am demethylation adjusts stem-like properties in colorectal cancer cell. Nat Commun. 2021 Mar 19;12(1):1716. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21758-4.
Isaia Barbieri, Tony Kouzarides, Role of RNA modifications in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer. 2020 Jun;20(6):303-322. doi: 10.1038/s41568-020-0253-2.
