Interleukin and interleukin receptor diversity: role of alternative splicing.
Alternative splicing is a fine-tuned process known for generating multiple functional variants from individual genes leading to protein diversity. The immune system utilizes pre-mRNA splicing to expand its gene function. Numerous immunologically relevant genes have been found to undergo alternative splicing, thus revealing a new source of complexity in the immune gene network. This review attempts to summarize the general features of alternative splicing and its role in the immune system along with a special focus on the available reports of alternative splicing in cytokines, mainly interleukins and their receptors and their regulatory significance.
Sahoo
Anupama
A
Department of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
Im
Sin-Hyeog
SH
D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology; D007378:Interleukins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D007378:Interleukins; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin