title: Spatio-temporal regulations and functions of neuronal alternative RNA splicing in developing and adult brains.
abstract: Alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a fundamental mechanism that generates molecular diversity from a single gene. In the central nervous system (CNS), key neural developmental steps are thought to be controlled by alternative splicing decisions, including the molecular diversity underlying synaptic wiring, plasticity, and remodeling. Significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms and functions of alternative pre-mRNA splicing in neurons through studies in invertebrate systems; however, recent studies have begun to uncover the potential role of neuronal alternative splicing in the mammalian CNS. This article provides an overview of recent findings regarding the regulation and function of neuronal alternative splicing. In particular, we focus on the spatio-temporal regulation of neurexin, a synaptic adhesion molecule, by neuronal cell type-specific factors and neuronal activity, which are thought to be especially important for characterizing neural development and function within the mammalian CNS. Notably, there is increasing evidence that implicates the dysregulation of neuronal splicing events in several neurological disorders. Therefore, understanding the detailed mechanisms of neuronal alternative splicing in the mammalian CNS may provide plausible treatment strategies for these diseases.
authors: Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan; School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan. Electronic address: takatoshi.iijima@tokai-u.jp.
authors: Takatoshi
authors: T
authors: Iijima
authors: Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan; School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.
authors: Chiharu
authors: C
authors: Hidaka
authors: Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan; School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara City, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.
authors: Yoko
authors: Y
authors: Iijima
mesh_terms: D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D012313:RNA; D002118:Calcium
keywords: Alternative splicing; Cerebellum; Molecular diversity; Neurexin; Neuronal activity; RNA-binding protein; STAR family; Synapse