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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A short 5' splice site RNA oligo can participate in both steps of splicing in mammalian extracts.

A short 5' splice site RNA oligonucleotide (5'SS RNA oligo) undergoes both steps of splicing when a second RNA containing the 3' splice site region (3'SS RNA) is added in trans. This trans-splicing reaction displays the same 5' and 3' splice site sequence requirements as cis-splicing of full-length pre-mRNA. The analysis of RNA-snRNP complexes formed on each of the two splice site RNAs is consistent with the formation of partial complexes, which then associate to form the complete spliceosome. Specifically, U2 snRNP bound to the 3'SS RNA associates with U4/U5/U6 snRNP bound to the 5'SS RNA oligo. Thus, as expected, trans-splicing depends on the integrity of U2, U4, and U6 snRNAs. However, unlike cis-splicing, trans-splicing is enhanced when the 5' end of U1 snRNA is blocked or removed or when the U1 snRNP is depleted. Thus, the early regulatory requirement for U1 snRNP, which is essential in cis-splicing, is bypassed in this trans-splicing system. This simplified trans-splicing reaction offers a unique model system in which to study the mechanistic details of pre-mRNA splicing.

Animals↗

Inactivation of an acceptor RNA splice site by a short deletion in beta-thalassemia.

The cloned beta-globin gene of an Indian patient with beta-thalassemia revealed a 25-nucleotide deletion at the 3'-end of the first intervening sequence, including the acceptor RNA splicing site. RNA transcripts of this mutant gene produced following transfection into HeLa cells remained unspliced at both the first intervening sequence donor and acceptor sites. This beta-thalassemic gene is the first in which critical sequences of an acceptor splice junction are mutated and associated with abnormal RNA processing.

Base Sequence↗

RNA splice site selection: evidence for a 5' leads to 3' scanning model.

Human G gamma-globin genes containing tandem duplications of the donor (5') or acceptor (3') RNA splice sites of the second intervening sequence were constructed in order to ascertain the directionality of RNA splice site selection. These genes were introduced into cultured monkey cells, and their transcripts were analyzed. Transcripts of these duplication variants were spliced only at the proximal copy of the duplicated splice sites. These data are consistent with a 5' leads to 3' model of splice site selection.

Animals↗

Control of adenovirus E1B mRNA synthesis by a shift in the activities of RNA splice sites.

The primary transcript from adenovirus 2 early region 1B (E1B) is processed by differential RNA splicing into two overlapping mRNAs, 13S and 22S. The 22S mRNA is the major E1B mRNA during the early phase of infection, whereas the 13S mRNA predominates during the late phase. In previous work, it has been shown that this shift in proportions of the E1B mRNAs is influenced by increased cytoplasmic stability of the 13S mRNA at late times in infection. Two observations presented here demonstrate that the increase in proportion of the 13S mRNA at late times is also regulated by a change in the specificity of RNA splicing. First, the relative concentrations of the 13S to 22S nuclear RNAs were not constant throughout infection but increased at late times. Secondly, studies with the mutant, adenovirus 2 pm2250 , provided evidence that there was an increased propensity to utilize a 5' splice in the region of the 13S 5' splice site at late times in infection. Adenovirus 2 pm2250 has a G----C transversion in the first base of E1B 13S mRNA intron preventing splicing of the 13S mRNA but not of the 22S mRNA. During the early phase of a pm2250 infection, the E1B primary transcripts were processed into the 22S mRNA only. However, during the late phase, when the 13S mRNA normally predominates, E1B primary transcripts were also processed by RNA splicing at two formerly unused or cryptic 5' splice sites. Both cryptic splice sites were located much closer to the disrupted 13S 5' splice site than to the 22S 5' splice site. Thus, the temporal increase in proportion of the 13S mRNA to the 22S mRNA is regulated by two processes, an increase in cytoplasmic stability of the 13S mRNA and an increased propensity to utilize the 13S 5' splice site during the late phase of infection. Adenovirus 2 pm2250 was not defective for productive infection of HeLa cells or for transformation of rat cells.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Probing of the spliceosome with site-specifically derivatized 5' splice site RNA oligonucleotides.

We have developed a site-specific chemical modification technique to incorporate a photoreactive azidophenacyl (APA) group at designated internal positions along the RNA phosphodiester backbone. Using this technique, we have analyzed interactions of the 5' splice site (5'SS) RNA within the spliceosome. Several crosslinked products can be detected within complex B using the derivatized 5'SS RNAs, including U6 snRNA, hPrp8p, and 114-, 90-, 70-, 54-, and 27-kDa proteins. The 5'SS RNAs derivatized at intron positions +4 to +8 crosslink to U6 snRNA, confirming the previously reported pairing interaction between these sequences. hPrp8p and p70 are crosslinked to the 5'SS RNA when the APA is placed within the 5' exon. Finally, a set of unidentified proteins, including p114, p54, and p27, is detected with the 5'SS RNA derivatized at intron positions +4 to +8. Introduction of the bulky APA group near the 5'SS junction (positions -2 to +3) strongly interferes with complex B formation and thus no APA crosslinks are observed at these positions. Together with our earlier observation that hPrp8p crosslinks to the GU dinucleotide at the 5' end of the intron, these results suggest that the inhibitory effect of APA results from steric hindrance of the hPrp8p:5'SS interaction. Unexpectedly, thio-modifications within the region of the 5'SS RNA that is involved in base pairing to U6 snRNA strongly stimulate complex B formation.

Allosteric Site↗

Transcription vectors that facilitate the identification and mapping of RNA splice sites in genomic DNA.

Two transcription vectors were constructed that can identify the splice sites at exon-intron boundaries of inserted DNA fragments possessing the complementary splice site. One vector contains the 5' splice donor site and flanking exon-intron sequences from the 3' end of the adenovirus first late leader. The other vector contains the 3' splice acceptor site and the branch acceptor site, plus the flanking exon-intron sequences from the 5' end of the adenovirus second late leader. Both vectors contain a multiple cloning site for insertion of DNA fragments. DNA fragments supplying the complementary splice site, including the adjacent exon and intron sequences, were inserted into the vectors. The vectors were used as templates for the synthesis of chimeric RNA transcripts that were spliced in in vitro splicing extracts. Chimeric transcripts from the vectors containing complementary splice site boundary regions from the human growth hormone gene were accurately spliced in vitro. A splice site from a human growth hormone intron that is not normally spliced in vitro was spliced when paired with an adenovirus splice site. These vectors can be used to identify splice sites and to determine the lengths of exons and their attached introns within a DNA fragment of unknown coding content.

Base Sequence↗

A novel RNA splice site mutation in the C1 inhibitor gene of a patient with type I hereditary angioedema.

We describe a patient with type I hereditary angioedema presenting recurrent episodes of skin swelling and abdominal pain. Laboratory examination showed reduced levels of CH50 and C4 with a normal C3 level. The C1 inhibitor was decreased to 7.0 mg/dl (normal, 10-25 mg/dl) with a remarkably reduced activity (<25%; normal, 80-125%). DNA analysis of the C1 inhibitor gene revealed a novel point mutation at the 3' acceptor mRNA splice site of the intron 5 (G-->A at nucleotide 8722). This mutation may abolish the correct splicing of the intron 5 and create unstable mRNA.

Angioedema↗

RNA splice site utilization by simian immunodeficiency viruses derived from sooty mangabey monkeys.

Alternative splicing of the full-length, primary transcript into numerous subgenomic mRNAs is one way that lentiviral gene expression is regulated. Because the behaviors of different viral isolates might reflect in part differences in splicing, we Investigated the patterns of splice site utilization by simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs)-originally isolated from sooty mangabey monkeys (Cercocebus atys) We used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), molecular cloning, and DNA sequencing approaches to characterize SIVdeltaB670, a pathogenic and neurovirulent isolate, and SIVsmmH4, a related molecular clone. The majority of randomly selected SIVdeltaB670 and SIVsmmH4 partial cDNAs contained tat, rev, nef, and long terminal repeat (LTR) intron splice donor and acceptor sites positioned as expected based on the proviral sequence of SIVsmmH4. Nearly all (87%) of the partial cDNAs analyzed contained a spliced LTR intron. A greater number of partial cDNAs derived from SIVdeltaB670-infected cells contained putative alternatively spliced introns In comparison to SIVsmmH4, including two previously undocumented splice junctions involving the LTR intron splice donor. These data provide the first comprehensive analysis of splice site utilization by an isolate of SIV in comparison to a related molecular clone and the first characterization of SIVsmm splice site utilization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Differential recruitment of nuclear receptor coactivators may determine alternative RNA splice site choice in target genes.

The biological consequences of steroid hormone-mediated transcriptional activation of target genes might be difficult to predict because alternative splicing of a single neosynthesized precursor RNA can result in production of different protein isoforms with opposite biological activities. Therefore, an important question to address is the manner in which steroid hormones affect the splicing of their target gene transcripts. In this report, we demonstrate that individual steroid hormones had different and opposite effects on alternative splicing decisions, stimulating the production of different spliced variants produced from genes driven by steroid hormone-dependent promoters. Steroid hormone transcriptional effects are mediated by steroid hormone receptor coregulators that also modify alternative splicing decisions. Our data suggest that activated steroid hormone receptors recruit coregulators to the target promoter that participate in both the production and the splicing of the target gene transcripts. Because different coregulators activating transcription can have opposite effects on alternative splicing decisions, we conclude that the precise nature of the transcriptional coregulators recruited by activated steroid receptors, depending on the promoter and cellular contexts, may play a major role in regulating the nature of the spliced variants produced from certain target genes in response to steroid hormones.

Alternative Splicing↗

An RNA splice site mutation in the C1-inhibitor gene causes type I hereditary angio-oedema.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, the polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequencing have been used to characterise a single base substitution (G----T) at nucleotide 8863 in the C1-inhibitor gene. This destroys the 5' donor splice site recognition motif of the sixth intron. Family studies suggest that the mutation is responsible for type I hereditary angio-oedema in a studied kindred.

Angioedema↗

Control of adenovirus alternative RNA splicing: effect of viral DNA replication on RNA splice site choice.

The primary transcripts of most adenovirus transcription units are processed into multiple, alternatively spliced mRNAs. The relative concentrations of such differentially processed mRNAs changes during the infectious cycle. The factors that control this temporal shift in mRNA abundance have not yet been characterized. In the experiments presented here we have examined mRNA synthesis from three viral transcription units: two early regions E1a and E1b, and late region L1. We show that viral DNA replication plays a key role in the control of cytoplasmic mRNA expression from these regions. In the absence of efficient late protein synthesis, viral DNA replication was sufficient to induce a substantial fraction of the E1a, E1b and L1 transcripts to shift from the early to the late pattern of mRNA structure. The shift was not complete under the conditions used, suggesting that viral proteins, although not essential for the process, play an important regulatory role. The requirement for late viral protein synthesis differed between the three transcription units examined. This dependence was most pronounced for correct L1 mRNA production. Viral DNA replication was sufficient to trigger a significant shift in L1 alternative 3' splice site selection. However, in the absence of late translation the L1 pre-mRNA was aberrantly spliced.

Adenovirus Early Proteins↗

Pervasive noise in human pre-mRNA splice site selection.

RNA splicing has historically been thought to be highly efficient and accurate, with little opportunity for deviation from regulated alternative splicing. This dogma has been challenged by recent observations that biological noise may contribute substantially to transcriptome diversity. However, quantitative understanding of stochastic splicing variation is challenging because these transcripts are likely subject to rapid degradation. Here, we use deep sequencing across RNA compartments to track splicing intermediates in human cells and see abundant cryptic splicing associated with genomic features that promote splicing noise. We observe pervasive usage of low-fidelity splice sites, likely due to stochasticity in recruitment or binding of the spliceosome. These sites are turned over quickly and show evidence for nuclear and cytoplasmic degradation, suggesting widespread surveillance and rapid quality control of non-productive transcripts. Our findings provide insights into the propensity for error in RNA processing mechanisms and regulation of alternative splice sites across a gene.

Humans↗

The 5' splice site consensus RNA oligonucleotide induces assembly of U2/U4/U5/U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes.

A short RNA oligonucleotide comprising the 5' splice site consensus sequence (5'SS RNA oligo) efficiently inhibits splicing of mRNA precursors in HeLa cell nuclear extracts. Addition of 5'SS RNA oligo inhibits early, but not late, steps in the splicing reaction, affecting the process of spliceosome assembly. In the presence of 5'SS RNA oligo a majority of U4/U5/U6 triple small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex present in HeLa nuclear extracts associates with U2 snRNP to form a multi-snRNP complex, which could account for the observed inhibition of splicing by the oligo. This same set of snRNPs has been shown to assemble on pre-mRNAs during in vitro splicing to form splicing complex B. Removal of the 5' end of U1 snRNA, which is complementary to the 5' splice site, does not prevent association of snRNPs into U2/U4/U5/U6 complex in the presence of 5'SS RNA oligo. This suggests that interactions other than U1 snRNA.5'SS RNA oligo base pairing are used in recognition of the oligo sequence. 5'SS RNA oligo-induced assembly of the multi-snRNP complex may thus serve as a model to study the mechanism of 5' splice site recognition during splicing.

Base Sequence↗

Linking splicing to Pol II transcription stabilizes pre-mRNAs and influences splicing patterns.

RNA processing is carried out in close proximity to the site of transcription, suggesting a regulatory link between transcription and pre-mRNA splicing. Using an in vitro transcription/splicing assay, we demonstrate that an association of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription and pre-mRNA splicing is required for efficient gene expression. Pol II-synthesized RNAs containing functional splice sites are protected from nuclear degradation, presumably because the local concentration of the splicing machinery is sufficiently high to ensure its association over interactions with nucleases. Furthermore, the process of transcription influences alternative splicing of newly synthesized pre-mRNAs. Because other RNA polymerases do not provide similar protection from nucleases, and their RNA products display altered splicing patterns, the link between transcription and RNA processing is RNA Pol II-specific. We propose that the connection between transcription by Pol II and pre-mRNA splicing guarantees an extended half-life and proper processing of nascent pre-mRNAs.

DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases↗

Delay in synthesis of the 3' splice site promotes trans-splicing of the preceding 5' splice site.

Premessenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing can occur within an individual pre-mRNA (cis-splicing) or between separate pre-mRNAs (trans-splicing). Although a number of examples of mammalian trans-splicing have been reported, the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of Sp1 pre-mRNA trans-splicing with human cells expressing modified Sp1 transgenes. We find that the presence of a long intron or the insertion of an RNA polymerase II pause site within an intron promotes trans-splicing. We also add examples of naturally occurring trans-splicing. We propose that Sp1 trans-splicing, and other examples of mammalian trans-splicing, are a consequence of low-frequency disruption of the normal mechanisms that couple transcription and splicing.

Animals↗

Pervasive noise in human splice site selection.

RNA splicing has historically been thought to be highly efficient and accurate, with little opportunity for deviation from regulated alternative splicing decisions. This dogma has been challenged by recent observations that suggest that biological noise may contribute substantially to transcriptome diversity. However, quantitative understanding of stochastic variations in splicing is challenging because these transcripts are likely subject to rapid degradation. Here, we use ultra-deep sequencing across RNA compartments to track splicing intermediates in human cells and see abundant cryptic splicing associated with genomic features that promote splicing noise. We observe pervasive usage of low-fidelity splice sites, likely due to stochasticity in recruitment or binding of the spliceosome. These sites are most likely degraded in the nucleus rather than targeted by translation-dependent degradation processes, suggesting widespread surveillance and rapid quality control of non-productive RNA transcripts. Our findings provide unprecedented insights into the propensity for error in RNA processing mechanisms and the regulation of alternative splice sites across a gene.

Journal Article↗

Two novel arginine/serine (SR) proteins in maize are differentially spliced and utilize non-canonical splice sites.

The serine-arginine (SR)-rich splicing proteins are highly conserved RNA binding nuclear phosphor-proteins that play important roles in both regular and alternative splicing. Here we describe two novel putative SR genes from maize, designated zmRSp31A and zmRSp31B. Both genes contain characteristic RNA binding motifs RNP-1 and RNP-2, a serine/arginine-rich (RS) domain and share significant sequence similarity to the Arabidopsis atRSp31 family of SR proteins. Both zmRSp31A and zmRSp31B produce multiple transcripts by alternative splicing, of which majority of the alternatively spliced transcripts utilize non-canonical splice sites. zmRSp31A and zmRSp31B produce at least six and four transcripts, respectively, of which only one corresponds to the wild type proteins for each gene. All the alternatively spliced transcripts of both the genes, with one exception, are predicted to encode small truncated proteins containing only the RNP-2 domain of their first RNA recognition motif and completely lack the carboxyl terminal RS domain. We provide evidence that some of the alternatively spliced transcripts of both genes are associated with polysomes and interact with the translational machinery.

Alternative Splicing↗

Impact of alternative initiation, splicing, and termination on the diversity of the mRNA transcripts encoded by the mouse transcriptome.

We analyzed the FANTOM2 clone set of 60,770 RIKEN full-length mouse cDNA sequences and 44,122 public mRNA sequences. We developed a new computational procedure to identify and classify the forms of splice variation evident in this data set and organized the results into a publicly accessible database that can be used for future expression array construction, structural genomics, and analyses of the mechanism and regulation of alternative splicing. Statistical analysis shows that at least 41% and possibly as much as 60% of multiexon genes in mouse have multiple splice forms. Of the transcription units with multiple splice forms, 49% contain transcripts in which the apparent use of an alternative transcription start (stop) is accompanied by alternative splicing of the initial (terminal) exon. This implies that alternative transcription may frequently induce alternative splicing. The fact that 73% of all exons with splice variation fall within the annotated coding region indicates that most splice variation is likely to affect the protein form. Finally, we compared the set of constitutive (present in all transcripts) exons with the set of cryptic (present only in some transcripts) exons and found statistically significant differences in their length distributions, the nucleotide distributions around their splice junctions, and the frequencies of occurrence of several short sequence motifs.

Alternative Splicing↗