Beyond proteome diversity: alternative splicing as a regulator of neuronal transcript dynamics. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mauger, Oriane; Scheiffele, Peter
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in neurobiology. Volume 45(2017)
• Page Start: 162
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.05.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-4388

Abstract

Highlights: Function of alternative splicing in neurons is not restricted to diversification of protein families. Alternative splicing targets mRNA populations to additional RNA metabolism pathways. Alternative splicing regulates spatio-temporal expression of neuronal proteins. Alternative splicing directs cell-type specific transcriptomes. Alternative splicing controls rapid modification of neuronal transcriptomes. Abstract : Brain development and function are governed by tightly controlled gene expression programs. Transcriptional repertoires in neurons are highly specific to developmental stage, neuronal cell type and can undergo rapid changes upon neuronal stimulation. Dedicated molecular mechanisms are required to achieve such fine-tuned regulation. In addition to transcriptional programs, post-transcriptional processes and notably alternative splicing substantially contribute to the elaboration of neuronal gene expression. While alternative splicing has been viewed primarily as a means for expanding proteome diversity, it emerges to also be a major regulator of transcript levels and dynamics. In this review we will describe some of the principal alternative splicing-linked mechanisms that control neuronal transcriptomes and discuss their implications for the central nervous system.