title: RNA structure and the mechanisms of alternative splicing.
abstract: Alternative splicing is a widespread means of increasing protein diversity and regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. Much progress has been made in understanding the proteins involved in regulating alternative splicing, the sequences they bind to, and how these interactions lead to changes in splicing patterns. However, several recent studies have identified other players involved in regulating alternative splicing. A major theme emerging from these studies is that RNA secondary structures play an under appreciated role in the regulation of alternative splicing. This review provides an overview of the basic aspects of splicing regulation and highlights recent progress in understanding the role of RNA secondary structure in this process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut Health Center, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
authors.forename: C Joel
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: McManus
authors.forename: Brenton R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Graveley
mesh_terms: D017398:Alternative Splicing / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017381:Spliceosomes / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins