Trans-splicing in protozoa and helminths.
Trans-splicing is defined as the process whereby exons derived from two separately transcribed RNAs are joined together. In one type of trans-splicing, nuclear pre-mRNAs acquire their 5' terminal exon (the spliced leader) from a small spliced leader RNA (SL RNA) via an RNA processing reaction that is directly analagous to the removal of intervening sequences (cis-splicing). Such leader-addition by trans-splicing has been extensively studied in trypanosomatid protozoans and in nematodes. This review summarizes recent advances in research on trans-splicing in these two systems. Progress in elucidating functionally significant sequence elements within SL RNAs and progress in understanding the mechanism and biological role of trans-splicing is discussed.
Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106-4960.
T W
TW
Nilsen
D000818:Animals; D009348:Nematoda / Q000235:genetics*; D012326:RNA Splicing; D018510:RNA, Helminth / Q000378:metabolism*; D016053:RNA, Protozoan / Q000378:metabolism*; D017411:Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear / Q000502:physiology; D014345:Trypanosoma / Q000235:genetics*
D018510:RNA, Helminth; D016053:RNA, Protozoan; D017411:Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear