Alternative splicing switches: Important players in cell differentiation. (27th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fiszbein, Ana; Kornblihtt, Alberto R.
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 39:Number 6(2017:Jun.)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-04-27
• Subjects: alternative splicing -- cell differentiation -- chromatin structure -- neuronal differentiation -- RNA binding proteins -- spliceosome -- splicing factors; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

Abstract : Alternative splicing (AS) greatly expands the coding capacities of genomes by allowing the generation of multiple mature mRNAs from a limited number of genes. Although the massive switch in AS profiles that often accompanies variations in gene expression patterns occurring during cell differentiation has been characterized for a variety of models, their causes and mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we integrate foundational and recent studies indicating the AS switches that govern the processes of cell fate determination. We include some distinct AS events in pluripotent cells and somatic reprogramming and discuss new progresses on alternative isoform expression in adipogenesis, myogenic differentiation and stimulation of immune cells. Finally, we cover novel insights on AS mechanisms during neuronal differentiation, paying special attention to the role of chromatin structure. Abstract : Here, we integrate the alternative splicing (AS) changes that follow cell differentiation. Not only genome‐wide AS events have been characterized during cell differentiation, but also particular AS patterns have been described in specific mRNAs required for cell differentiation and have been directly linked to the regulation of RNA binding proteins.