Regulation of alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs by stresses

A substantial fraction (approximately 30%) of plant genes is alternatively spliced, but how alternative splicing is regulated remains unknown. Many plant genes undergo alternative splicing in response to a variety of stresses. Large-scale computational analyses and experimental approaches focused on select genes are beginning to reveal that alternative splicing constitutes an integral part of gene regulation in stress responses. Based on the studies discussed in this chapter, it appears that alternative splicing generates transcriptome/proteome complexity that is likely to be important for stress adaptation. However, the signaling pathways that relay stress conditions to splicing machinery and if and how the alternative spliced products confer adaptive advantages to plants are poorly understood.