Protocol for detecting glycoRNAs using metabolic labeling and northwestern blot

GlycoRNAs are glycosylated RNAs that can be detected in many cell types and often partly reside on the outer cell surface, with a recently demonstrated role in mediating neutrophil-endothelium interaction. Here, we present a protocol for glycoRNA detection based on metabolic tracing and northwestern blot. We describe steps for metabolic labeling of cells, extraction and purification of RNA, biotin labeling of RNA, and northwestern blot for glycoRNA detection. We also incorporate optimized conditions for biotin labeling, RNA dye, and membrane blocking. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al.¹.