How is alternative splicing related to gene expression?
Alternative splicing is a process where different mRNA transcripts are formed from
the precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) through the selective inclusion or
exclusion of certain exons. This mechanism provides an option for generating protein
diversification from a single gene, increasing the diversity of the proteome. As a
result, alternative splicing significantly impacts gene expression, and it plays a
crucial role in regulating cellular processes, such as development, differentiation,
and response to environmental cues.
Many human genes express different splicing isoforms, creating potential changes in
the protein sequence, domain structure, and function. The selective expression of
these isoforms can influence cell type-specific activities by modifying gene networks
and signaling pathways. Aberrant alternative splicing has also been linked to human
diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and inherited disorders.
Alternative splicing is a complex and dynamic process controlled by various
regulatory factors, including splicing enhancers and silencers, splice variants, and
splicing factors. They regulate the splicing pattern by binding to pre-mRNA
sequences, where they can promote or inhibit splicing, leading to the production of
different mRNA isoforms. New technologies, such as next-generation sequencing
(NGS), have facilitated an increased understanding of the mechanisms and
significance of alternative splicing in gene expression regulation.
In conclusion, alternative splicing plays a crucial role in generating proteome
diversity, regulating cellular processes, and impacting human health. Understanding
these mechanisms of gene expression regulation may lead to the development of
innovative therapeutic approaches for treating various diseases.
References:
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470-476.
2. Lee, Y., & Rio, D. C. (2015). Mechanisms and regulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing.
Annual review of biochemistry, 84, 291-323.
3. Baralle, M., Baralle, F. E., & Giudice, J. (2017). Alternative splicing as a regulator of
development and tissue identity. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 18(7), 437-451.
4. Wang, L., & Fu, X. D. (2019). Regulation of alternative splicing in cancer. Progress in
molecular biology and translational science, 165, 183-238.