The significant other: splicing by the minor spliceosome. (16th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turunen, Janne J.; Niemelä, Elina H.; Verma, Bhupendra; Frilander, Mikko J.
• Is Part Of: Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Volume 4:Number 1(2013:Jan./Feb.)
• Page Start: 61
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2012-10-16
• Subjects: RNA -- Periodicals; 572.8805
• DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1141
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-7004

Abstract

Abstract: The removal of non‐coding sequences, introns, from the mRNA precursors is an essential step in eukaryotic gene expression. U12‐type introns are a minor subgroup of introns, distinct from the major or U2‐type introns. U12‐type introns are present in most eukaryotes but only account for less than 0.5% of all introns in any given genome. They are processed by a specific U12‐dependent spliceosome, which is similar to, but distinct from, the major spliceosome. U12‐type introns are spliced somewhat less efficiently than the major introns, and it is believed that this limits the expression of the genes containing such introns. Recent findings on the role of U12‐dependent splicing in development and human disease have shown that it can also affect multiple cellular processes not directly related to the functions of the host genes of U12‐type introns. At the same time, advances in understanding the regulation and phylogenetic distribution of the minor spliceosome are starting to shed light on how the U12‐type introns and the minor spliceosome may have evolved. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:61–76. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1141 This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms