Alternative splicing dysregulation in CAG repeat expansion diseases.

Abstract

Alternative splicing of RNA is a highly regulated process that increases the complexity of gene expression, with disruption of splicing leading to significant disruption of cellular function and, ultimately, disease. This spliceopathy is exemplified by myotonic dystrophy type 1, a CTG repeat expansion disease, where dysregulation of alternative splicing drives core disease symptomatology. Recent studies across murine- and patient-derived disease models have demonstrated that similar alternative splicing changes are prevalent in CAG repeat expansion diseases, including Huntington's disease and multiple spinocerebellar ataxias. This review summarizes current knowledge on alternative splicing dysregulation in CAG repeat expansion diseases, highlights potentially disrupted genes and pathways, and discusses mechanisms through which alternative splicing dysregulation may contribute to disease pathogenesis and patient symptomatology.