Open AccessDistinct functions of SR proteins in recruitment of U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein to alternative 5' splice sites.
Author(s) -
Alan M. Zahler,
Mark B. Roth
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.92.7.2642
Subject(s) - snrnp , small nuclear ribonucleoprotein , spliceosome , rna splicing , ribonucleoprotein , splice , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , precursor mrna , alternative splicing , heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein , sr protein , rna binding protein , messenger rna , exonic splicing enhancer , genetics , rna , gene
Alternative splicing of precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs) is an important mechanism for the regulation of gene expression. The members of the SR protein family of pre-mRNA splicing factors have distinct functions in promoting alternative splice site usage. Here we show that SR proteins are required for the first step of spliceosome assembly, interaction of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex (U1 snRNP) with the 5' splice site of the pre-mRNA. Further, we find that individual SR proteins have distinct abilities to promote interaction of U1 snRNP with alternative 5' splice junctions. These results suggest that SR proteins direct 5' splice site selection by regulation of U1 snRNP assembly onto the pre-mRNA.