M7Gppp (Cap 0) RNA
m7Gppp (Cap 0) is the simplest naturally occurring 5′ cap structure found on eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA). It consists of a 7-methylguanosine (m⁷G) linked to the first transcribed nucleotide through a unique 5′–5′ triphosphate bridge, producing the characteristic m⁷G(5′)ppp(5′)N cap structure. This modification is essential for proper mRNA metabolism and plays a central role in RNA stability, translation, and cellular recognition.
The Cap 0 structure is recognized by the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E, enabling efficient recruitment of the ribosome for protein synthesis. In addition to promoting translation, the cap protects RNA from degradation by 5′ exonucleases and contributes to RNA processing, nuclear export, and interactions with numerous cap-binding proteins.
Compared with uncapped RNA, Cap 0-modified RNA offers several important advantages:
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Improved translation efficiency
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Enhanced resistance to 5′ exonuclease degradation
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Increased RNA stability
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Efficient recognition by eukaryotic translation initiation factors
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Improved handling during in vitro and cellular studies
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Suitable for many research applications involving mRNA expression
Although Cap 1 and Cap 2 structures are found in higher eukaryotes and provide additional immune modulation through ribose methylation, Cap 0 remains widely used for in vitro transcription (IVT), protein expression studies, assay development, and fundamental investigations of RNA biology.
Bio-Synthesis offers custom Cap 0 (m7Gppp)-modified RNA for a broad range of applications, including synthetic mRNA, IVT RNA, long RNA, reporter RNA, RNA standards, and other custom RNA constructs. Cap 0 RNA can be synthesized using co-transcriptional or post-transcriptional capping strategies, depending on project requirements, and can be combined with additional modifications such as poly(A) tails, 2'-O-methyl nucleotides, pseudouridine, N1-methylpseudouridine, 5-methylcytidine, fluorescent labels, biotin, amino modifiers, and other specialized chemistries.
Each capped RNA is manufactured under rigorous quality standards and is available with analytical characterization including HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, LC-MS (where applicable), UV spectroscopy, and optional functional testing to support research and preclinical development.
The m7Gppp (Cap 0) structure remains an essential modification for researchers developing synthetic RNA molecules for gene expression, vaccine research, functional genomics, RNA therapeutics, and molecular biology.
| Property |
Typical Value |
| Modification |
m7Gppp (Cap 0) |
| Modification Type |
5′ RNA cap structure |
| Cap Structure |
m7G(5′)ppp(5′)N |
| Primary Function |
Enhances translation and RNA stability |
| Translation Initiation |
Recognized by eIF4E |
| Exonuclease Resistance |
Improved 5′ protection |
| Compatible RNA |
IVT RNA, mRNA, long RNA, synthetic RNA |
| Typical Applications |
Protein expression, mRNA therapeutics, vaccines, functional genomics, RNA research |
Product Information
N7-Methylguanosine-triphosphate Cap
-20°C To -70°C
Oligonucleotides are stable in solution at 4°C for up to 2 weeks. Properly reconstituted material stored at -20°C should be stable for at least 6 months. Dried DNA (when kept at -20°C) in a nuclease-free environment should be stable for years.
References/Citations:
- Shatkin AJ. Capping of eukaryotic mRNAs. Cell. 1976;9(4):645-653.
- Furuichi Y, Shatkin AJ. Viral and cellular mRNA capping: Past and prospects. Advances in Virus Research. 2000;55:135-184.
- Sahin U, Karikó K, Türeci Ö. mRNA-based therapeutics — developing a new class of drugs. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. 2014;13:759-780.
- Karikó K, Muramatsu H, Welsh FA, et al. Incorporation of pseudouridine into mRNA yields superior translation with reduced immunogenicity. Molecular Therapy. 2008;16(11):1833-1840.
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