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Role of small nuclear RNAs in eukaryotic gene expression

Saba Valadkhan, Lalith S. Gunawardane
Essays In Biochemistry May 03, 2013, 54 79-90; DOI: 10.1042/bse0540079
Saba Valadkhan
Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, U.S.A.
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Lalith S. Gunawardane
Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, U.S.A.
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Abstract

Eukaryotic cells contain small, highly abundant, nuclear-localized non-coding RNAs [snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs)] which play important roles in splicing of introns from primary genomic transcripts. Through a combination of RNA–RNA and RNA–protein interactions, two of the snRNPs, U1 and U2, recognize the splice sites and the branch site of introns. A complex remodelling of RNA–RNA and protein-based interactions follows, resulting in the assembly of catalytically competent spliceosomes, in which the snRNAs and their bound proteins play central roles. This process involves formation of extensive base-pairing interactions between U2 and U6, U6 and the 5′ splice site, and U5 and the exonic sequences immediately adjacent to the 5′ and 3′ splice sites. Thus RNA–RNA interactions involving U2, U5 and U6 help position the reacting groups of the first and second steps of splicing. In addition, U6 is also thought to participate in formation of the spliceosomal active site. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests additional roles for snRNAs in regulation of various aspects of RNA biogenesis, from transcription to polyadenylation and RNA stability. These snRNP-mediated regulatory roles probably serve to ensure the co-ordination of the different processes involved in biogenesis of RNAs and point to the central importance of snRNAs in eukaryotic gene expression.

  • group II intron
  • ribozyme
  • small nuclear RNA
  • spliceosome
  • © The Authors Journal compilation © 2013 Biochemical Society
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May 2013

Volume: 54 Issue:

Essays In Biochemistry: 54
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Role of small nuclear RNAs in eukaryotic gene expression
Saba Valadkhan, Lalith S. Gunawardane
Essays In Biochemistry May 2013, 54 79-90; DOI: 10.1042/bse0540079
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Role of small nuclear RNAs in eukaryotic gene expression
Saba Valadkhan, Lalith S. Gunawardane
Essays In Biochemistry May 2013, 54 79-90; DOI: 10.1042/bse0540079

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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • Introduction: the challenge of splicing and evolution of eukaryotic snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs)
    • Roles of snRNAs in the spliceosome
    • Beyond splicing: other biological roles of snRNAs
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Keywords

group II intron
ribozyme
small nuclear RNA
spliceosome

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