Tailoring of membrane proteins by alternative splicing of pre-mRNA.
Alternative splicing (AS) of RNA is a key mechanism for diversification of the eukaryotic proteome. In this process, different mRNA transcripts can be produced through altered excision and/or inclusion of exons during processing of the pre-mRNA molecule. Since its discovery, AS has been shown to play roles in protein structure, function, and localization. Dysregulation of this process can result in disease phenotypes. Moreover, AS pathways are promising therapeutic targets for a number of diseases. Integral membrane proteins (MPs) represent a class of proteins that may be particularly amenable to regulation by alternative splicing because of the distinctive topological restraints associated with their folding, structure, trafficking, and function. Here, we review the impact of AS on MP form and function and the roles of AS in MP-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Kathleen F
KF
Mittendorf
Catherine L
CL
Deatherage
Melanie D
MD
Ohi
Charles R
CR
Sanders
D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007438:Introns; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D009928:Organ Specificity; D017510:Protein Folding; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals; D021381:Protein Transport; D012322:RNA Precursors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals; D012322:RNA Precursors; D012333:RNA, Messenger