Bioinformatic approaches for accurate assessment of A-to-I editing in complete transcriptomes.

Abstract

A-to-I RNA editing is an RNA modification that alters the RNA sequence relative to the its genomic blueprint. It is catalyzed by double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase (ADAR) enzymes, and contributes to the complexity and diversification of the proteome. Advancement in the study of A-to-I RNA editing has been facilitated by computational approaches for accurate mapping and quantification of A-to-I RNA editing based on sequencing data. In this chapter we review some of the main computational approaches currently used, describe potential hurdles, challenges and pitfalls, and discuss possible ways to mitigate them.