title: Regulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing.
abstract: The first wave of bioinformatic studies that followed genome and complementary DNA sequencing projects revealed that alternative splicing of messenger RNA precursors (pre-mRNAs) contributes substantially to transcriptome complexity in higher eukaryotes. Together with the realisation of the impact of the process on cell differentiation, development and disease, these studies portray alternative splicing as a fundamental component of gene regulation. Both detailed mechanistic studies and genome-wide analyses will be necessary to unravel the molecular basis for cell type-specific splice site selection. This paper will highlight some recent progress and future challenges for functional genomics and bioinformatics in this rapidly developing area.
authors.affiliation: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Woodley
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Valcárcel
mesh_terms: D017398:Alternative Splicing; D012322:RNA Precursors / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012322:RNA Precursors; D012333:RNA, Messenger