Objective:

To review the analytical methods for studying glycosylated RNA (glycoRNA) and highlight its biological significance.

Key Findings:

• GlycoRNA carries distinct glycan signatures across different cell types and tissues.
• Fucosylated and sialylated structures are particularly prominent in glycoRNA profiles.
• GlycoRNA profiling may serve as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis.

Interpretation:

The review emphasizes the potential of glycoRNA in biomedical research and precision medicine, while also acknowledging existing challenges in the field.

Limitations:

• Low abundance of glycoRNA makes detection challenging.
• Contamination from glycoproteins complicates analysis.
• Lack of bioinformatics platforms specifically for glycoRNA.

Conclusion:

The review establishes mass spectrometry-based glycomics as essential for advancing glycoRNA research and its applications in medicine.