Alternative splicing: An efficient regulatory approach towards plant developmental plasticity

Area of Science:

• Plant molecular biology
• Gene regulation
• Transcriptomics

Background:

• Alternative splicing (AS) is a key mechanism plants use to regulate gene expression (GE).
• AS generates diverse gene isoforms, increasing transcriptome plasticity and proteome complexity.
• AS influences GE networks and plant adaptations, partly through nonsense-mediated decay (NMD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the modulation of alternative splicing in plants.
• To highlight the impact of AS on gene expression and plant adaptation.
• To discuss the role of AS in plant stress tolerance and crop improvement.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on alternative splicing in plants.
• Analysis of studies on AS modulation by noncoding RNAs and splicing factors.
• Examination of AS's role in response to endogenous and exogenous cues.

Main Results:

• AS dynamically modulates gene expression and protein diversity in plants.
• Splicing factors and noncoding RNAs are key regulators of AS.
• AS plays a significant role in plant stress tolerance.

Conclusions:

• Alternative splicing is a widespread and impactful regulatory mechanism in plants.
• Considering AS is essential for understanding plant gene expression and adaptation.
• Targeting AS holds potential for enhancing crop improvement and stress resilience.