The neurogenetics of alternative splicing.
Alternative precursor-mRNA splicing is a key mechanism for regulating gene expression in mammals and is controlled by specialized RNA-binding proteins. The misregulation of splicing is implicated in multiple neurological disorders. We describe recent mouse genetic studies of alternative splicing that reveal its critical role in both neuronal development and the function of mature neurons. We discuss the challenges in understanding the extensive genetic programmes controlled by proteins that regulate splicing, both during development and in the adult brain.
Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
Celine K
CK
Vuong
Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
Douglas L
DL
Black
Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, USA.
Sika
S
Zheng
D017398:Alternative Splicing / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*
D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins