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Updated: Jul 12, 2025
08:35
Identification of Alternative Splicing and Polyadenylation in RNA-seq Data
Published on: June 24, 2021
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Regulation and function of alternative polyadenylation in development and differentiation
Lorenzo Gallicchio1, Gonzalo H Olivares2, Cameron W Berry3
1Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA.
RNA Biology
|October 31, 2023
Summary
Alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) generates mRNA variants impacting gene expression. This review explores APA regulation during development and disease, highlighting its role in 3'UTR diversity.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Post-transcriptional Modification
Background:
- Alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) alters 3'UTR length and content in mRNA isoforms.
- APA influences mRNA translation, localization, stability, and protein interactions.
- Approximately 70% of human genes exhibit APA, varying by tissue and developmental stage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of APA regulation during development and cellular differentiation.
- To explore how APA-driven changes in 3'UTR content affect gene expression.
- To discuss the functional implications of APA in normal and pathological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on alternative cleavage and polyadenylation.
- Analysis of APA's role in development, differentiation, and disease.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on APA regulatory mechanisms.
Main Results:
- APA is a widespread co-transcriptional process impacting gene expression output.
- Neurons preferentially use distal polyadenylation sites, yielding longer 3'UTRs.
- Cancer is associated with proximal polyadenylation site usage, resulting in shorter 3'UTRs.
Conclusions:
- APA significantly affects gene expression and is dysregulated in various pathologies, notably cancer.
- Understanding APA mechanisms is crucial for deciphering gene expression control in development and disease.
- Further in vivo studies are needed to fully elucidate APA's intricate regulatory networks.
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