Trans-splicing.

Authors :: Lasda EL
Blumenthal T
Source :: Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. RNA [Wiley Interdiscip Rev RNA] 2011 May-Jun; Vol. 2 (3), pp. 417-34. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Jan 20.
Publication Year :: 2011
Abstract: Trans-splicing is the joining together of portions of two separate pre-mRNA molecules. The two distinct categories of spliceosomal trans-splicing are genic trans-splicing, which joins exons of different pre-mRNA transcripts, and spliced leader (SL) trans-splicing, which involves an exon donated from a specialized SL RNA. Both depend primarily on the same signals and components as cis-splicing. Genic trans-splicing events producing protein-coding mRNAs have been described in a variety of organisms, including Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila. In mammalian cells, genic trans-splicing can be associated with cancers and translocations. SL trans-splicing has mainly been studied in nematodes and trypanosomes, but there are now numerous and diverse phyla (including primitive chordates) where this type of trans-splicing has been detected. Such diversity raises questions as to the evolutionary origin of the process. Another intriguing question concerns the function of trans-splicing, as operon resolution can only account for a small proportion of the total amount of SL trans-splicing.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)