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Updated: Oct 13, 2025

Engineering Artificial Factors to Specifically Manipulate Alternative Splicing in Human Cells
Published on: April 26, 2017
The role of alternative splicing in human cancer progression
Jiawei Ouyang1,2, Yijie Zhang1,2, Fang Xiong3
1NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
In eukaryotes, alternative splicing refers to a process via which a single precursor RNA (pre-RNA) is transcribed into different mature RNAs. Thus, alternative splicing enables the translation of a limited number of coding genes into a large number of proteins with different functions. Although, alternative splicing is common in normal cells, it also plays an important role in cancer development. Alteration in splicing mechanisms and even the participation of non-coding RNAs may cause changes in the splicing patterns of cancer-related genes. This article reviews the latest research on alternative splicing in cancer, with a view to presenting new strategies and guiding future studies related to pathological mechanisms associated with cancer.
Insights
Alternative splicing, a process creating diverse proteins from single genes, is crucial in cancer. Understanding its role in cancer development offers new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Alternative splicing generates protein diversity from a limited gene set in eukaryotes.
- While common in normal cells, aberrant alternative splicing is implicated in cancer development.
- Non-coding RNAs can influence splicing patterns of cancer-related genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in alternative splicing research within the context of cancer.
- To highlight novel strategies for targeting alternative splicing in cancer therapy.
- To guide future research into cancer's pathological mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on alternative splicing in cancer.
- Analysis of the role of splicing alterations and non-coding RNAs in cancer-related gene expression.
- Synthesis of findings to propose new therapeutic avenues.
Main Results:
- Alternative splicing plays a significant role in the development and progression of various cancers.
- Specific alterations in splicing machinery and non-coding RNA involvement are identified as key drivers.
- The review consolidates current knowledge, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of targeting splicing.
Conclusions:
- Alternative splicing is a critical factor in cancer pathology.
- Targeting aberrant splicing presents promising avenues for novel cancer treatments.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate splicing's role and optimize therapeutic interventions.
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