RNA splicing

RNA splicing is a process that occurs in the cell nucleus after transcription, and prior to translation. It involves the removal of introns and joining of exons in a pre-mRNA molecule. This process is crucial for the correct translation of the genetic code into proteins.

Overview

RNA splicing is a modification of the RNA after transcription, in which the introns are removed and exons are joined. This is needed for the typical eukaryotic mRNA, but not for the prokaryotic. The process is also critical for the unification of the genetic code and for the capacity to generate multiple proteins from a single gene.

Process

The process of RNA splicing involves several steps. First, the pre-mRNA is cleaved at the 5' splice site. This is followed by the formation of a lariat structure, which is then cleaved at the 3' splice site. Finally, the exons are ligated together.

Spliceosome

The spliceosome is the cellular machinery that carries out RNA splicing. It is composed of five small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) and numerous other proteins. The spliceosome recognizes the splice sites of the pre-mRNA, carries out the splicing reaction, and then disassembles.

Alternative splicing

Alternative splicing is a process that allows a single gene to produce multiple proteins. It does this by including or excluding certain exons in the final mRNA. This process is regulated by various splicing factors and can be influenced by external conditions.

Clinical significance

Defects in RNA splicing are known to cause various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of RNA splicing and its regulation can therefore have important implications for the development of new treatments.

See also

• Gene expression
• Post-transcriptional modification
• RNA editing

RNA splicing Resources
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