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Alternative polyadenylation and its impact on cellular processes

Hesna B Akman, Ayse E Erson-Bensan1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, METU, Ankara, 06800, Turkey.

Microrna (Shariqah, United Arab Emirates)
|July 30, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a key mRNA processing mechanism regulating gene expression. This review explores APA

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) processing, including modifications, significantly influences gene expression.
  • Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is increasingly recognized as a widespread regulatory mechanism.
  • APA involves selecting different polyadenylation signals on pre-mRNAs, leading to varied 3'-UTR lengths.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms and types of alternative polyadenylation (APA).
  • To discuss the roles of APA in fundamental biological processes.
  • To highlight the relevance of APA deregulation in health and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on APA.
  • Analysis of APA's impact on gene expression regulation.
  • Synthesis of information on APA's role in biological processes.

Main Results:

  • APA generates multiple mRNA isoforms, potentially creating proteomic diversity.
  • 3'-UTR lengths are dynamically regulated by APA in spatial and temporal contexts.
  • Deregulation of APA has significant implications for normal physiological states and disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • APA is a crucial post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism.
  • Understanding APA is vital for comprehending gene expression control.
  • APA's dysregulation is linked to various biological processes and diseases.

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