Nature子刊：何川团队开发RNA修饰测序新方法——LIME-seq，可用于癌症早筛

Core Viewpoint - The research highlights a novel RNA modification sequencing method, LIME-seq, which shows potential for early cancer detection through the analysis of microbiome-derived cell-free RNA (cfRNA) in plasma samples [2][3][5][8]. Group 1: Research Development - The study introduces LIME-seq (Low-Input Multiple Methylation Sequencing) as a new method for analyzing cfRNA modification patterns, capable of detecting various tRNA and small noncoding RNA from both human and microbial sources [5][8]. - The research team demonstrated that the RNA modification patterns in microbiome-derived cfRNA can accurately reflect the activity of the host microbiome [8]. Group 2: Clinical Findings - In plasma samples from colorectal cancer patients and non-cancer controls, LIME-seq analysis revealed significantly elevated methylation levels of various microbiome-derived cfRNA, effectively distinguishing cancer patients from non-cancer individuals [8]. - Similar differences in methylation levels of microbiome-derived cfRNA were observed in pancreatic cancer samples, indicating the method's applicability for early detection of both intestinal and non-intestinal cancers [8]. Group 3: Implications for Cancer Screening - The study systematically demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of cfRNA modification profiling for cancer early screening in over a hundred clinical samples [8]. - Compared to traditional RNA expression detection, cfRNA modifications are more stable and provide earlier signals, making them particularly suitable for capturing subtle biological changes in early cancer stages [8].