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Engineering Artificial Factors to Specifically Manipulate Alternative Splicing in Human Cells
Published on: April 26, 2017
Alternative RNA splicing and cancer
1Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Alternative splicing of pre-messenger RNA (mRNA) is a fundamental mechanism by which a gene can give rise to multiple distinct mRNA transcripts, yielding protein isoforms with different, even opposing, functions. With the recognition that alternative splicing occurs in nearly all human genes, its relationship with cancer-associated pathways has emerged as a rapidly growing field. In this review, we summarize recent findings that have implicated the critical role of alternative splicing in cancer and discuss current understandings of the mechanisms underlying dysregulated alternative splicing in cancer cells.
Insights
Alternative splicing of pre-messenger RNA (mRNA) generates diverse protein functions. This review covers how altered splicing contributes to cancer development and progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Alternative splicing of pre-messenger RNA (mRNA) is a key process generating protein diversity.
- Dysregulation of alternative splicing is increasingly linked to human diseases, particularly cancer.
- Understanding these splicing alterations is crucial for cancer biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the role of alternative splicing in cancer.
- To discuss the mechanisms driving aberrant alternative splicing in cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on alternative splicing and cancer.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on splicing dysregulation in oncogenesis.
Main Results:
- Alternative splicing plays a critical role in various cancer-associated pathways.
- Specific splicing patterns are altered in cancer cells, influencing protein function.
- Mechanisms underlying these alterations are being elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Alternative splicing is a significant factor in cancer development and progression.
- Further research into splicing dysregulation mechanisms can reveal novel therapeutic targets.
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