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Distinct functions of SR proteins in alternative pre-mRNA splicing
A M Zahler1, K M Neugebauer, W S Lane
1Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104.
Abstract:
Alternative splicing of precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs) is a common mechanism of regulating gene expression. SR proteins are a family of pre-mRNA splicing factors that are structurally related and evolutionarily conserved. Any member of the SR family can complement a splicing-deficient extract that lacks the entire family of SR proteins. Here it is demonstrated that particular SR proteins have distinct functions in alternative pre-mRNA splicing in vitro. In addition, SR proteins are differentially expressed in a variety of tissues. These results suggest a fundamental role for SR proteins in the regulation of alternative splicing.