PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “RNA Splicing”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,225 records · Page 68Linked to original sources

Herpes simplex virus type 1 immediate early protein IE63 shuttles between nuclear compartments and the cytoplasm.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) immediate early protein IE63, an essential nuclear protein, is pleiotropic in function and, at the post-transcriptional level, inhibits RNA splicing, interacts with cellular splicing small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs), binds RNA and prevents the nucleocytoplasmic transport of intron-containing mRNAs. Here it is reported that IE63 is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttle protein able to travel from snRNP- and RNA-rich nuclear foci to the cytoplasm, where it accumulates during actinomycin D treatment. This newly identified property suggests that IE63 facilitates nuclear export of HSV-1 transcripts, in addition to retaining intron-containing transcripts in the nucleus. The mechanism by which IE63 controls RNA export has yet to be defined.

Biological Transport↗

Extension of the transcriptional and translational map of the left end of the vaccinia virus genome to 21 kilobase pairs.

Physical, transcriptional, and translational maps of an EcoRI fragment located between 15,800 and 20,600 base pairs from the left end of the vaccinia virus genome were prepared. Major polypeptides with molecular weights of 14,000 (14K polypeptide), 32,000 and 38,000 were synthesized in a reticulocyte cell-free system programmed with immediate early RNA made in the presence of cycloheximide and selected by hybridization to lambda recombinant DNA containing the EcoRI fragment. With early RNA made in the presence of cytosine arabinoside, an inhibitor of DNA replication, the polypeptide pattern was similar except for quantitative differences in which less 38K polypeptide was detected as a translation product. With late RNA, isolated 6 h after infection without inhibitors, only traces of the early translation products were found and a new 40K polypeptide was detected. The size of the mRNA's for the 14K, 32K, and 38K polypeptides were determined to be approximately 760,880, and 1,150 nucleotides, respectively, by several independent procedures. Several large early RNAs not shown to code for any additional translation products were also detected. The size of the late message for the 40K polypeptide varied from 920 to 3,100 nucleotides. This heterogeneity appeared to be a general property of vaccinia virus late mRNA's. No evidence of RNA splicing was obtained by analysis of RNA-DNA hybrids after nuclease S1 treatment. Further analyses using separated recombinant DNA strands and restriction fragments indicated that all mRNA's were encoded by the leftward-reading DNA strand and at least two were overlapping. Since early and late mRNA's were encoded by the same DNA strand, the possibility of temporal regulation by transcriptional strand switching was eliminated. In conjunction with previous studies, a transcriptional map of the left 20,600 base pairs of the vaccinia virus genome was derived.

DNA Restriction Enzymes↗

Alu elements as regulators of gene expression.

Alu elements are the most abundant repetitive elements in the human genome; they emerged 65 million years ago from a 5' to 3' fusion of the 7SL RNA gene and amplified throughout the human genome by retrotransposition to reach the present number of more than one million copies. Over the last years, several lines of evidence demonstrated that these elements modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in at least three independent manners. They have been shown to be involved in alternative splicing, RNA editing and translation regulation. These findings highlight how the genome adapted to these repetitive elements by assigning them important functions in regulation of gene expression. Alu elements should therefore be considered as a large reservoir of potential regulatory functions that have been actively participating in primate evolution.

Alu Elements↗

Cyclin L1 (CCNL1) gene alterations in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

We evaluated the expression and amplification of cyclin L1 (CCNL1) gene, a potential oncogene localised in the commonly amplified 3q25-28 region, in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Overexpression was observed in 55 out of 96 cases (57%) and amplification in nine out of 35 tumours (26%) with no relationships to the clinico-pathological parameters. The Cyclin L1 antibody we developed labels nuclear speckles in tumour cells compatible with a role for CCNL1 in RNA splicing.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

A base-pairing interaction between U2 and U6 small nuclear RNAs occurs in > 150S complexes in HeLa cell extracts: implications for the spliceosome assembly pathway.

In mammalian cells, base pairing between the U2 and U6 small nuclear RNAs is required during pre-RNA splicing. We show by psoralen crosslinking of HeLa nuclear extract that U2.U6 base pairing occurs within abundant ribonucleoprotein complexes that sediment at > 150 S in glycerol gradients. All of the spliceosomal RNAs (U1, U2, U4, U5, and U6) cosediment with these large complexes, suggesting that they may be related to small nuclear RNA-containing structures called speckles/coiled bodies or snurposomes, which have been visualized in mammalian or amphibian nuclei, respectively. In contrast to nuclear extract, S100 extract, which is splicing-defective and lacks the > 150S complexes, does not contain base-paired U2.U6. However, U2.U6 base pairs form in S100 extract that has been made splicing-competent by supplementation with Ser/Arg-rich (SR) proteins, ATP, and an adenovirus splicing substrate. During splicing in supplemented S100 extract, U2.U6 base pairing precedes the appearance of splicing intermediates and occurs initially in an approximately 60S spliceosome complex but also in progressively larger (100-300 S) complexes. Possible functional relationships between the 60S spliceosome and the > 150S complexes are discussed.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Antibodies specific for branched ribonucleic acids.

A chemically synthesized branched tetranucleotide, G3'p5'A [2'p5'G]3'p5'C corresponding to the consensus sequence at the branch point in introns undergoing RNA splicing, was used as a hapten to elicit antibranch antibodies. Binding assays with 32P-labeled hapten and unlabeled structurally related haptens indicated that the antibodies are highly specific for the branch structure and have some specificity for the A2'p5'G sequence at the branch point, but have essentially none for a variety of other 2'p5' or 3'p5' dinucleotides or for the linear trinucleotide G3'p5'A3'p5'C. Purification of these antibodies by binding to A2'p5'G covalently linked to Sepharose followed by covalent attachment of the purified antibodies to protein A-Sepharose has provided an adsorbent that immunospecifically retains branched oligonucleotides as well as branched introns released from RNAs during in vitro splicing.

Animals↗

The 3' Igkappa enhancer contains RNA polymerase II promoters: implications for endogenous and transgenic kappa gene expression.

We have created a kappa transgene in which a polymerase (pol) III promoter replaces the pol II promoter. Two independent transgenic lines show somatic hypermutation of the transgene in B cells from hyperimmunized mice. Both lines transcribe transgenes from the pol III promoter in the liver. However, in spleen and spleen B cell-derived hybridomas, they also transcribe mRNA from pol II promoters located within the 3' kappa enhancer of the preceding transgene copy in a tandem transgene array. The findings demonstrate that in an array of multiple transgenes the expression (and somatic hypermutation) of an individual transgene copy must be considered in the context of the other copies. We also show that sequences around the 3' kappa enhancer in endogenous genes are transcribed. The possible role of these promoters in endogenous kappa gene expression is discussed. An unrelated finding in this study was a novel RNA splice in one hybridoma.

Animals↗

Alternative splicing of the mRNA encoding the human cholesteryl ester transfer protein.

The plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is known to facilitate the transfer of lipids between plasma lipoproteins. The human CETP gene is a complex locus encompassing 16 exons. The CETP mRNA is found in liver and small intestine as well as in a variety of peripheral tissues. While the CETP cDNA from human adipose tissue was being cloned, a variant CETP cDNA was discovered which excluded the complete sequence encoded by exon 9, but which was otherwise identical to the full-length CETP cDNA, suggesting modification of the CETP gene transcript by an alternative RNA splicing mechanism. RNase protection analysis of tissue RNA confirmed the presence of exon 9 deleted transcripts and showed that they represented a variable proportion of the total CETP mRNA in various human tissues including adipose tissue (25%), liver (33%), and spleen (46%). Transient expression of the exon 9 deleted cDNA in COS cells or stable expression in CHO cells showed that the protein encoded by the alternatively spliced transcript was inactive in neutral lipid transfer, smaller, and poorly secreted compared to the protein derived from the full-length cDNA. Endo H digestion suggested that the inactive, cell-associated protein was present within the endoplasmic reticulum. The experiments show that the expression of the human CETP gene is modified by alternative splicing of the ninth exon, in a tissue-specific fashion. The function of alternative splicing is unknown but could serve to produce a protein with a function other than plasma neutral lipid transfer, or as an on-off switch to regulate the local concentration of biologically active protein.

Adipose Tissue↗

Establishment of a stable, inducible form of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 DNA in quiescent CD4 lymphocytes in vitro.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) possesses the ability to establish a complete infection in nondividing host cells. The capacity of HIV-1 to infect nondividing cells probably contributes significantly to its pathology in vivo, as reflected by infection of peripheral T lymphocytes, tissue macrophages, and microglial cells. However, the in vitro demonstration of the establishment of stable HIV-1 infection in quiescent T cells remains controversial. We have developed a primary T-cell model of acute HIV-1 infection of quiescent CD4 lymphocytes that demonstrates the development of a complete, reverse-transcribed form of virus that is stable for over 10 days in culture. To ensure that our primary cell culture was representative of a quiescent population, the CD4 lymphocyte targets were monitored for membrane expression of activation antigens and for shifts in cell cycle from G0/G1 to S/G2 phase. The presence of viral DNA fragments reflecting progressive reverse transcription was determined by PCR analysis. HIV entered primary CD4 cells rapidly, but viral DNA accumulated slowly in the resting cell cultures. DNA species containing regions of full-length reverse transcription were not detected until 3 to 5 days after infection. In parallel with the appearance of complete viral DNA, spliced RNA transcripts, predominantly of the nef species, were detected by reverse transcriptase PCR amplification. When infected CD4 cells were sorted on the basis of cell cycle analysis of DNA content, the accumulation of a complete viral DNA form was found to occur in both the purified G0/G1-phase cell subset and the cell fraction enriched for the minor S-phase subset. In contrast, spliced viral RNA products could be detected only in the enriched S-phase cell fraction. These results demonstrate that HIV-1 can infect and establish a complete, stable form of viral DNA in primary CD4 lymphocytes in vitro but is blocked from transcription in the absence of cell activation. The findings are consistent with in vivo data from HIV-infected individuals that show the existence of viral DNA predominantly as a stable, extrachromosomal form in T cells of the peripheral circulation.

Base Sequence↗

An unusual splicing mutation in the HEXB gene is associated with dramatically different phenotypes in patients from different racial backgrounds.

Sandhoff disease is caused by mutations affecting the beta subunit of lysosomal beta-hexosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.52) and displays a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. We report a 57-year-old patient with a very mild phenotype, although residual hexosaminidase A activity in his cultured fibroblasts was less than 3% of normal activity, a level observed in juvenile onset patients. Northern and Western blot analyses confirmed a similar low level of beta subunit-mRNA and mature beta-protein, respectively. Two mutations of the HEXB gene were identified in this patient, a partial 5' gene deletion (a null allele), and a C----T transition 8 nucleotides downstream from the intron 10/exon 11 junction affecting the splicing of the beta subunit-mRNA. In their homozygous forms, the 5' deletion has been previously shown to result in a severe infantile phenotype, and the C----T transition in a juvenile phenotype. The genotype and the low level of residual hexosaminidase A activity would be expected to produce a juvenile Sandhoff phenotype in this patient, as well as in four of his six clinically normal siblings. The biochemical basis of his mild phenotype is uncertain, but may result from genetic variations in the RNA splicing machinery.

Base Sequence↗

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV: a single base substitution of the last nucleotide of exon 34 in COL3A1 leads to exon skipping.

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome has been classified into nine phenotypic presentations. Type IV is a variant of particular importance because people affected with this genodermatosis are at great risk of spontaneous hemorrhage from vascular rupture or bowel perforation. Recent molecular advances have identified mutations in the gene for type III procollagen as responsible for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. We report a case of a 14-year-old male with a typical presentation of the type IV variant who was found to have markedly dilated fibroblast cisternae and varying collagen fibril diameter on ultrastructural study. A novel genetic defect was noted by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing of genetic material isolated from skin fibroblast cultures. Analysis of the gene for type III procollagen revealed a single base mutation in the last nucleotide of exon 34. The mutation led to abnormal RNA splicing and skipping of exon 34 on the mRNA level.

Adolescent↗

Germline mutations in the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 gene: evidence for frequent splicing defects.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) is a familial cancer syndrome characterized by parathyroid hyperplasia, pituitary adenomas, and neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas and duodenum. In 1997, the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene was identified, and numerous germline mutations have been reported to be distributed throughout the gene. We used single strand conformational variant (SSCV) analysis to search for germline mutations in the members of 33 kindreds with a confirmed diagnosis of MEN 1. SSCV analysis revealed 25 conformational variants representing germline mutations that are predicted to result in loss of normal menin function. Twenty different disease-associated mutations were identified: five resulting in potential abnormal RNA splicing, two missense mutations, seven nonsense mutations, and six frameshift mutations. The aberrant splice products were identified and confirmed by RT-PCR and direct sequence analysis for two of the five splice mutations. Sixteen of the 20 (80%) mutations identified have not been previously reported. Mutations were not identified in eight kindreds with signs and symptoms consistent with MEN 1. The SSCV analysis revealed mutations in 76% (25 of 33) of the kindreds investigated, thus showing SSCV analysis to be a reliable mutation detection strategy. One-fifth of the mutations identified in this study involve intron sequences, therefore, highlighting the importance of including intron sequences in the search for germline mutations in the MEN1 gene. The need to investigate the entire gene when characterizing new MEN 1 families presents challenges in the translation of genetic studies to efficient clinical diagnostic tests.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11↗

A new epidermal growth factor-like domain in the human core protein for the large cartilage-specific proteoglycan. Evidence for alternative splicing of the domain.

A series of cDNA clones for the human core protein of the large cartilage-specific proteoglycan was isolated. Nucleotide sequencing of the clones provided over 2 kilobases of new coding sequences for the human protein. Comparison with published data for cDNA clones covering the same region in rat and chick indicated that domain 8, the lectin-like domain, is highly conserved among species. In contrast, domain 7 is poorly conserved among species. Some of the cDNA clones also contained an additional structural domain between domains 7 and 8 which was not described in the rat or chick sequences. The additional domain of 38 amino acids was highly homologous to epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like sequences seen in other proteins. Because some cDNA clones contained codons for the EGF-like domain and some did not, the results suggested that the EGF-like domain underwent alternative RNA splicing. To confirm alternative splicing of the EGF-like domain, RNA from cartilage cells was used as a template for the polymerase chain reaction. Products of two sizes were obtained. One had the size predicted for mRNA containing the domain and the other had the size predicted for mRNA not containing the domain. Alternative splicing of an EGF-like domain may provide a mechanism of feedback regulation for both the biosynthetic activity and the proliferation of cartilage cells.

Aggrecans↗

Henry Kunkel, Stephanie Smith, clinical immunology, and split genes.

The York Avenue (New York) 'ecosystem' from the 1940s through the 1980s enabled Henry Kunkel to apply new scientific methodology to understanding human disease. Stephanie Smith, a young woman with lupus, was treated at the Rockefeller University Hospital in the 1960s. Studies of her antinuclear antibodies by Kunkel and Eng Tan led to the discovery of a precipitin line specific for lupus, and the responsible antigen was designated Sm (for 'Smith'). This review outlines the history of Sm antigen from an interesting precipitin line to the identification of small nuclear RNA molecules and small nuclear ribonucleoproteins, and subsequently the discovery of RNA splicing. The story illustrates Henry Kunkel's approach to science, emphasizing how 'accidental' clinical observations, in the hands of skilled investigators, can have unexpected and potentially momentous implications.

Allergy and Immunology↗

Targeting PRMT9 overcomes venetoclax resistance in AML by modulating splicing and inhibiting translation.

Arginine methylation catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) is required for cancer cell proliferation, but whether PRMTs mediate resistance to therapy remains unclear. Here, we performed loss-of-function screens in venetoclax-resistant (VEN-R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient-derived xenograft cells and found that PRMT9 plays a critical role in promoting VEN resistance. Specifically, VEN-R AML samples exhibited high levels of PRMT9, and PRMT9 inhibition resensitized AML cells to VEN treatment. In preclinical resistant models, genetic ablation of PRMT9 synergized with VEN to eradicate AML cells. Consistently, pharmacologic inhibition of PRMT9 combined with VEN produced similar effects in VEN-R AML mouse models. Mechanistically, PRMT9 ablation disrupted RNA splicing by inducing exon skipping in mRNA encoding ALG13, an uridine diphosphate (UDP)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase subunit, thereby downregulating expression of the VEN efflux transporter encoded by the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette subfamily C member 1 gene. PRMT9 inhibition also suppressed protein synthesis, leading to downregulation of short-lived oncoproteins such as MCL1. These findings establish a connection between PRMT9-mediated arginine methylation and poor VEN responsiveness and demonstrate that targeting PRMT9 may represent a viable strategy to overcome VEN resistance.

Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases↗

Single chicken cardiac myosin alkali light-chain gene generates two different mRNAs by alternative splicing of a complex exon.

We have isolated and characterized two kinds of cDNA for the chicken cardiac myosin alkali light chain. The sequences of the two cDNAs are identical, except for a notable divergence in part of the 3' untranslated sequence. By analysis of isolated genomic clones, it was shown that the genomic sequences corresponding to the different sequences in the 3' untranslated regions of the two mRNAs were arranged within a limited part of a single stretch of DNA; also the two distinct 3' untranslated regions of the two mRNAs shared part of the last exon, which was 0.6 x 10(3) base-pairs long. There are two canonical acceptor sites available for RNA splicing in the last exon, the first being located at the 5' end of the exon, and the second at 370 base-pairs downstream from this end. Together with analysis by S1 nuclease mapping, the foregoing results lead us to conclude that, by the differential use of these two acceptor sites, a single gene generates two distinct mRNAs of 1.45 x 10(3) base-pairs and 1.1 x 10(3) base-pairs with or without the 5' half of the last exon. The two mRNAs appear to utilize the same modified poly(A) signal, AGTAAA, rather than the authentic AATAAA sequence present about 30 base-pairs downstream from the poly(A) attachment sites. This is probably because another consensus G + T-rich sequence is present at an appropriate distance from the AGTAAA sequence, but not from the AATAAA sequence. The gene for the cardiac myosin alkali light chain has proved to be expressed in ventricular muscle and in atrial and anterior latissimus dorsi muscles, the last of these being characteristic of slow skeletal muscle. In these muscles, two kinds of mRNA for the cardiac myosin alkali light chain, identical with those in ventricular muscle, were expressed and their relative amount in each tissue was almost the same as that in ventricular muscle.

Animals↗