Bacterial tRNA is modified by thiolation of nucleosides. Here the authors identify 2-methylthiocytidine in bacterial tRNA using nucleic acid isotope labeling coupled mass spectrometry. Exposure to methylating agents converts 2-thiocytidine to 2-methylthiocytidine, which is repaired by demethylase AlkB in vivo.
- Valentin F. Reichle
- Dimitar P. Petrov
- Stefanie Kellner