Pre-mRNA splicing and its regulation in microalgae and cyanobacteria

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Biotechnology
• Algal Research

Background:

• Alternative splicing (AS) regulates gene expression in eukaryotes, particularly in plant stress responses.
• Microalgae, valued for useful compounds, exhibit AS linked to stress, impacting productivity.
• Cyanobacteria, prokaryotes, utilize self-splicing for biotechnological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review alternative splicing (AS) in microalgae under various developmental and stress conditions.
• To examine the three main forms of self-splicing intervening sequences in cyanobacteria.
• To explore the relationship between AS and self-splicing, particularly the role of group II introns.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of alternative splicing in microalgae.
• Analysis of self-splicing mechanisms (group I introns, group II introns, inteins) in cyanobacteria.
• Exploration of the connection between AS and group II introns.

Main Results:

• AS in microalgae is vital for stress adaptation and production of valuable compounds like lipids and pigments.
• Cyanobacteria employ self-splicing for protein modification, with biotechnological relevance.
• Group II introns are a link between AS and self-splicing, originating small nuclear RNA for AS.

Conclusions:

• Understanding AS in microalgae and self-splicing in cyanobacteria is key for optimizing biotechnological yields.
• The review highlights the distinct yet interconnected roles of splicing in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms.
• Further research into these splicing mechanisms can unlock novel applications in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels.