Epigenetics in alternative pre-mRNA splicing

Cell. 2011 Jan 7;144(1):16-26. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2010.11.056.

Abstract

Alternative splicing plays critical roles in differentiation, development, and disease and is a major source for protein diversity in higher eukaryotes. Analysis of alternative splicing regulation has traditionally focused on RNA sequence elements and their associated splicing factors, but recent provocative studies point to a key function of chromatin structure and histone modifications in alternative splicing regulation. These insights suggest that epigenetic regulation determines not only what parts of the genome are expressed but also how they are spliced.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing*
  • Animals
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Histones
  • RNA Precursors