Evolutionary genetics of alternative splicing in plants

We review recent findings pertaining to alternative RNA splicing, the formation of multiple distinct transcripts from a single gene, in order to judge its contribution to plant evolution and diversity. Alternative splicing (AS) is not only a key mechanism in plant development and stress response, but splicing variation often has a genetic basis, setting the stage for evolution involving splicing changes. Numerous examples involving crop species suggest that strong artificial selection often promotes splicing divergence, and splicing changes have affected key domestication traits. Examples of AS underlying adaptation and speciation in wild plants also exist but are fewer. These intriguing findings highlight the need for continued research at the intersection of gene regulation, splicing, and evolution to fully characterize the role of AS in plant diversification.