Unlock the full potential of your mRNA with ExploRNA’s Cap Analogs
5’ cap structure is a crucial element of every eukaryotic mRNA molecule. Beyond its well-known role in protecting mRNA against premature degradation and initiation of translation, it is also essential for distinguishing from non-self RNAs by the innate immune response. By incorporating various synthetic modifications into the cap structure, mRNA translational activity can be significantly enhanced. Selecting the right cap analog for your mRNA platform is key to optimizing your biological performance.
At ExploRNA, we offer a wide range of cap analogs designed to meet the unique needs of your research.
One of our flagship products, ExploCap®, is a cost-effective alternative to the industry standard, offering similar benefits to unmodified cap 1 analogs.
If you are looking to take your research to the next level and enhance your mRNA properties, we encourage you to explore our AvantCap® analogs, which deliver superior translational efficiency.
A few years ago, we introduced an innovative cap analog, AvantCap® AG, which combines the cap 1 structure with a benzyl modification at the N6 position of adenosine at the first transcribed nucleotide. This modification, inspired by the naturally occurring methylation of the N6 position in the mRNA cap, has been shown to significantly increase protein expression compared to the natural cap 1 structure in certain biological setups, particularly in vivo. At the same time, this modification also facilitates mRNA purification via HPLC. The benzyl group serves as a hydrophobic handle to efficiently separate capped mRNA from uncapped mRNA fractions and impurities, such as dsRNA, resulting in an ultrapure, high-quality mRNA product.
Our experiments demonstrated that mRNA molecules with AvantCap® AG can produce up to six times more protein than unmodified mRNA (read more in our publication in JACS). This enhanced expression could enable the achievement of therapeutic effects in the body at much lower doses, making AvantCap® AG an attractive option for mRNA-based therapies.
However, efficient AvantCap® AG incorporation requires specific IVT conditions; specifically, it is essential to use a higher cap concentration (10 mM) and lower the reaction buffer pH to 6.5.
In response to market demands, we have continually refined and developed our product offerings. As a result, we are proud to introduce the second generation of the AvantCap® family – AvantCap® Q1 and AvantCap® Q2. These two tetranucleotide cap analogs combine all the biological advantages of the trinucleotide AvantCap® with more robustness, and broader compatibility with IVT conditions. Our Q caps are compatible with commonly used φ6.5-AGG DNA templates and deliver improved IVT parameters at a lower cap concentration.
In addition, AvantCap® Q2 is the first analog on the market to offer the easy implementation of cap 2 structure (2’-Omethylation at both the first and second transcribed nucleotides). This feature could prove particularly beneficial for scientific research, offering new possibilities for mRNA research.
Boost your mRNA with ExploRNA’s cap analogs and discover them now!
Marcelina Bednarczyk, PhD
mRNA Senior Scientist at ExploRNA Therapeutics
