The RNA world meets behavior: A-->I pre-mRNA editing in animals.
Speculations on the genetic component of animal behavior have been fueled primarily by single-gene mutations that affect specific behaviors in model organisms. Pre-mRNA editing by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) provides an additional mechanism for introducing protein diversity and has primarily been observed in signaling components of the nervous system. Two recent reports of mutant mice and Drosophila deficient in ADAR activities provide further evidence that pre-mRNA editing has an ancient and primary role in the evolution of nervous system function and behavior.
Reenan
R A
RA
Dept. of Genetics and Developmental Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. rreenan@neuron.uchc.edu
D000243:Adenosine Deaminase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D051379:Mice; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D017393:RNA Editing; D012322:RNA Precursors / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*
D012322:RNA Precursors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000243:Adenosine Deaminase