The function of multisite splicing enhancers

Cell-type specific regulator RBPMS switches alternative splicing via higher-order oligomerization and heterotypic interactions with other splicing regulators

Alternative pre-mRNA splicing decisions are regulated by RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that can activate or repress regulated splice sites. Repressive RBPs typically harness multivalent interactions to bind stably to target RNAs. Multivalency can be achieved by homomeric oligomerization and heteromeric interactions with other RBPs, often mediated by intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), and by possessing multiple RNA binding domains. Cell-specific splicing decisions often involve the action of widely expressed RBPs, which are able to bind multivalently around target exons, but without effect in the absence of a cell-specific regulator. To address how cell-specific regulators can collaborate with constitutive RBPs in alternative splicing regulation, we used the smooth-muscle specific regulator RBPMS. Recombinant RBPMS is sufficient to confer smooth muscle cell specific alternative splicing of Tpm1 exon 3 in cell-free assays by preventing assembly of ATP-dependent splicing complexes. This activity depends upon a C-terminal IDR that facilitates dynamic higher-order self-assembly, cooperative binding to multivalent RNA and interactions with widely expressed splicing co-regulators, including MBNL1 and RBFOX2, allowing cooperative assembly of stable cell-specific regulatory complexes.

A history of the genetic and molecular identification of genes and their functions controlling insect sex determination

The genetics of the sex determination regulatory cascade in Drosophila melanogaster has a fascinating history, interlinked with the foundation of the Genetics discipline itself. The discovery that alternative splicing rather than differential transcription is the molecular mechanism underlying the upstream control of sex differences in the Drosophila model system was surprising. This notion is now fully integrated into the scientific canon, appearing in many genetics textbooks and online education resources. In the last three decades, it was a key reference point for starting evolutionary studies in other insect species by using homology-based approaches. This review will introduce a very brief history of Drosophila genetics. It will describe the genetic and molecular approaches applied for the identifying and cloning key genes involved in sex determination in Drosophila and in many other insect species. These comparative analyses led to supporting the idea that sex-determining pathways have evolved mainly by recruiting different upstream signals/genes while maintaining widely conserved intermediate and downstream regulatory genes. The review also provides examples of the link between technological advances and research achievements, to stimulate reflections on how science is produced. It aims to hopefully strengthen the related historical and conceptual knowledge of general readers of other disciplines and of younger geneticists, often focused on the latest technical-molecular approaches.

Allosteric regulation of U1 snRNP by splicing regulatory proteins controls spliceosomal assembly

Alternative splicing is responsible for much of the transcriptomic and proteomic diversity observed in eukaryotes and involves combinatorial regulation by many cis-acting elements and trans-acting factors. SR and hnRNP splicing regulatory proteins often have opposing effects on splicing efficiency depending on where they bind the pre-mRNA relative to the splice site. Position-dependent splicing repression occurs at spliceosomal E-complex, suggesting that U1 snRNP binds but cannot facilitate higher order spliceosomal assembly. To test the hypothesis that the structure of U1 snRNA changes during activation or repression, we developed a method to structure-probe native U1 snRNP in enriched conformations that mimic activated or repressed spliceosomal E-complexes. While the core of U1 snRNA is highly structured, the 5' end of U1 snRNA shows different SHAPE reactivities and psoralen crosslinking efficiencies depending on where splicing regulatory elements are located relative to the 5' splice site. A motif within the 5' splice site binding region of U1 snRNA is more reactive toward SHAPE electrophiles when repressors are bound, suggesting U1 snRNA is bound, but less base-paired. These observations demonstrate that splicing regulators modulate splice site selection allosterically.

The mechanisms of a mammalian splicing enhancer

Exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) sequences are bound by serine & arginine-rich (SR) proteins, which in turn enhance the recruitment of splicing factors. It was inferred from measurements of splicing around twenty years ago that Drosophila doublesex ESEs are bound stably by SR proteins, and that the bound proteins interact directly but with low probability with their targets. However, it has not been possible with conventional methods to demonstrate whether mammalian ESEs behave likewise. Using single molecule multi-colour colocalization methods to study SRSF1-dependent ESEs, we have found that that the proportion of RNA molecules bound by SRSF1 increases with the number of ESE repeats, but only a single molecule of SRSF1 is bound. We conclude that initial interactions between SRSF1 and an ESE are weak and transient, and that these limit the activity of a mammalian ESE. We tested whether the activation step involves the propagation of proteins along the RNA or direct interactions with 3' splice site components by inserting hexaethylene glycol or abasic RNA between the ESE and the target 3' splice site. These insertions did not block activation, and we conclude that the activation step involves direct interactions. These results support a model in which regulatory proteins bind transiently and in dynamic competition, with the result that each ESE in an exon contributes independently to the probability that an activator protein is bound and in close proximity to a splice site.

Combinatorial regulation of alternative splicing

The generation of protein coding mRNAs from pre-mRNA is a fundamental biological process that is required for gene expression. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing is responsible for much of the transcriptomic and proteomic diversity observed in higher order eukaryotes. Aberrations that disrupt regular alternative splicing patterns are known to cause human diseases, including various cancers. Alternative splicing is a combinatorial process, meaning many factors affect which two splice sites are ligated together. The features that dictate exon inclusion are comprised of splice site strength, intron-exon architecture, RNA secondary structure, splicing regulatory elements, promoter use and transcription speed by RNA polymerase and the presence of post-transcriptional nucleotide modifications. A comprehensive view of all of the factors that influence alternative splicing decisions is necessary to predict splicing outcomes and to understand the molecular basis of disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA structure and splicing regulation edited by Francisco Baralle, Ravindra Singh and Stefan Stamm.

High-throughput analysis revealed mutations' diverging effects on SMN1 exon 7 splicing

Splicing-affecting mutations can disrupt gene function by altering the transcript assembly. To ascertain splicing dysregulation principles, we modified a minigene assay for the parallel high-throughput evaluation of different mutations by next-generation sequencing. In our model system, all exonic and six intronic positions of the SMN1 gene's exon 7 were mutated to all possible nucleotide variants, which amounted to 180 unique single-nucleotide mutants and 470 double mutants. The mutations resulted in a wide range of splicing aberrations. Exonic splicing-affecting mutations resulted either in substantial exon skipping, supposedly driven by predicted exonic splicing silencer or cryptic donor splice site (5'ss) and de novo 5'ss strengthening and use. On the other hand, a single disruption of exonic splicing enhancer was not sufficient to cause major exon skipping, suggesting these elements can be substituted during exon recognition. While disrupting the acceptor splice site led only to exon skipping, some 5'ss mutations potentiated the use of three different cryptic 5'ss. Generally, single mutations supporting cryptic 5'ss use displayed better pre-mRNA/U1 snRNA duplex stability and increased splicing regulatory element strength across the original 5'ss. Analyzing double mutants supported the predominating splicing regulatory elements' effect, but U1 snRNA binding could contribute to the global balance of splicing isoforms. Based on these findings, we suggest that creating a new splicing enhancer across the mutated 5'ss can be one of the main factors driving cryptic 5'ss use.

Succession of splicing regulatory elements determines cryptic 5΄ss functionality

A critical step in exon definition is the recognition of a proper splice donor (5΄ss) by the 5’ end of U1 snRNA. In the selection of appropriate 5΄ss, cis-acting splicing regulatory elements (SREs) are indispensable. As a model for 5΄ss recognition, we investigated cryptic 5΄ss selection within the human fibrinogen Bβ-chain gene (FGB) exon 7, where we identified several exonic SREs that simultaneously acted on up- and downstream cryptic 5΄ss. In the FGB exon 7 model system, 5΄ss selection iteratively proceeded along an alternating sequence of U1 snRNA binding sites and interleaved SREs which in principle supported different 3’ exon ends. Like in a relay race, SREs either suppressed a potential 5΄ss and passed the splicing baton on or splicing actually occurred. From RNA-Seq data, we systematically selected 19 genes containing exons with silent U1 snRNA binding sites competing with nearby highly used 5΄ss. Extensive SRE analysis by different algorithms found authentic 5΄ss significantly more supported by SREs than silent U1 snRNA binding sites, indicating that our concept may permit generalization to a model for 5΄ss selection and 3’ exon end definition.

Diverse regulation of 3' splice site usage

The regulation of splice site (SS) usage is important for alternative pre-mRNA splicing and thus proper expression of protein isoforms in cells; its disruption causes diseases. In recent years, an increasing number of novel regulatory elements have been found within or nearby the 3'SS in mammalian genes. The diverse elements recruit a repertoire of trans-acting factors or form secondary structures to regulate 3'SS usage, mostly at the early steps of spliceosome assembly. Their mechanisms of action mainly include: (1) competition between the factors for RNA elements, (2) steric hindrance between the factors, (3) direct interaction between the factors, (4) competition between two splice sites, or (5) local RNA secondary structures or longer range loops, according to the mode of protein/RNA interactions. Beyond the 3'SS, chromatin remodeling/transcription, posttranslational modifications of trans-acting factors and upstream signaling provide further layers of regulation. Evolutionarily, some of the 3'SS elements seem to have emerged in mammalian ancestors. Moreover, other possibilities of regulation such as that by non-coding RNA remain to be explored. It is thus likely that there are more diverse elements/factors and mechanisms that influence the choice of an intron end. The diverse regulation likely contributes to a more complex but refined transcriptome and proteome in mammals.

Tra2 protein biology and mechanisms of splicing control

Tra2 proteins regulate pre-mRNA splicing in vertebrates and invertebrates, and are involved in important processes ranging from brain development in mice to sex determination in fruitflies. In structure Tra2 proteins contain two RS domains (domains enriched in arginine and serine residues) flanking a central RRM (RNA recognition motif). Understanding the mechanisms of how Tra2 proteins work to control splicing is one of the key requirements to understand their biology. In the present article, we review what is known about how Tra2 proteins regulate splicing decisions in mammals and fruitflies.

Evolutionary emergence of a novel splice variant with an opposite effect on the cell cycle

Alternative splicing contributes greatly to the diversification of mammalian proteomes, but the molecular basis for the evolutionary emergence of splice variants remains poorly understood. We have recently found a novel class of splicing regulatory elements between the polypyrimidine tract (Py) and 3' AG (REPA) at intron ends in many human genes, including the multifunctional PRMT5 (for protein arginine methyltransferase 5) gene. The PRMT5 element is comprised of two G tracts that arise in most mammals and accompany significant exon skipping in human transcripts. The G tracts inhibit splicing by recruiting heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) H and F (H/F) to reduce U2AF65 binding to the Py, causing exon skipping. The resulting novel shorter variant PRMT5S exhibits a histone H4R3 methylation effect similar to that seen with the original longer PRMT5L isoform but exhibits a distinct localization and preferential control of critical genes for cell cycle arrest at interphase in comparison to PRMT5L. This report thus provides a molecular mechanism for the evolutionary emergence of a novel splice variant with an opposite function in a fundamental cell process. The presence of REPA elements in a large group of genes implies their wider impact on different cellular processes for increased protein diversity in humans.

Splicing of designer exons informs a biophysical model for exon definition

Pre-mRNA molecules in humans contain mostly short internal exons flanked by longer introns. To explain the removal of such introns, exon recognition instead of intron recognition has been proposed. We studied this exon definition using designer exons (DEs) made up of three prototype modules of our own design: an exonic splicing enhancer (ESE), an exonic splicing silencer (ESS), and a Reference Sequence (R) predicted to be neither. Each DE was examined as the central exon in a three-exon minigene. DEs made of R modules showed a sharp size dependence, with exons shorter than 14 nt and longer than 174 nt splicing poorly. Changing the strengths of the splice sites improved longer exon splicing but worsened shorter exon splicing, effectively displacing the curve to the right. For the ESE we found, unexpectedly, that its enhancement efficiency was independent of its position within the exon. For the ESS we found a step-wise positional increase in its effects; it was most effective at the 3' end of the exon. To apply these results quantitatively, we developed a biophysical model for exon definition of internal exons undergoing cotranscriptional splicing. This model features commitment to inclusion before the downstream exon is synthesized and competition between skipping and inclusion fates afterward. Collision of both exon ends to form an exon definition complex was incorporated to account for the effect of size; ESE/ESS effects were modeled on the basis of stabilization/destabilization. This model accurately predicted the outcome of independent experiments on more complex DEs that combined ESEs and ESSs.

Ets1 and heat shock factor 1 regulate transcription of the Transformer 2β gene in human colon cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Transformer (Tra) 2β is a member of the serine/arginine-rich (SR)-like protein family that regulates alternative splicing of numerous genes in a concentration-dependent manner. Several types of cancer cells up-regulate Tra2β expression, while the regulatory mechanism of Tra2β expression remains to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the transcriptional regulation and possible functions of Tra2β in human colon cancer cells.

METHODS

We cloned 959 bp-upstream of the human TRA2β 5'-flank into luciferase constructs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was employed to identify crucial cis element(s) and trans activator(s) of the TRA2β promoter. Tra2β expression in the human colon and colon cancer tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

In response to sodium arsenite, colon cancer cells (HCT116) increased levels of TRA2β1 mRNA encoding a functional, full-length Tra2β with a peak around 6 h without changing its mRNA stability. Transient expression assays using a reporter gene driven by serially truncated TRA2β promoters and Chip assay demonstrated that an Ets1-binding site present at -64 to -55 bp was crucial for basal transcription, while three heat shock elements (HSEs) located at -145 to -99 bp mediated the oxidant-induced transactivation of TRA2β. Tra2β knockdown caused apoptosis of HCT116 cells. Tra2β were preferentially expressed in proliferative compartment of normal human colonic glands and adenocarcinomas, where Ets1 and heat shock factor 1 were also highly expressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that oxidative stress-responsive Tra2β may play an important role in colon cancer growth.

Splicing kinetics and transcript release from the chromatin compartment limit the rate of Lipid A-induced gene expression

The expression of eukaryotic mRNAs is achieved though an intricate series of molecular processes that provide many steps for regulating the production of a final gene product. However, the relationships between individual steps in mRNA biosynthesis and the rates at which they occur are poorly understood. By applying RNA-seq to chromatin-associated and soluble nucleoplasmic fractions of RNA from Lipid A-stimulated macrophages, we examined the timing of exon ligation and transcript release from chromatin relative to the induction of transcription. We find that for a subset of genes in the Lipid A response, the ligation of certain exon pairs is delayed relative to the synthesis of the complete transcript. In contrast, 3' end cleavage and polyadenylation occur rapidly once transcription extends through the cleavage site. Our data indicate that these transcripts with delayed splicing are not released from the chromatin fraction until all the introns have been excised. These unusual kinetics result in a chromatin-associated pool of completely transcribed and 3'-processed transcripts that are not yet fully spliced. We also find that long introns containing repressed exons that will be excluded from the final mRNA are excised particularly slowly relative to other introns in a transcript. These results indicate that the kinetics of splicing and transcript release contribute to the timing of expression for multiple genes of the inflammatory response.

Reflections on the history of pre-mRNA processing and highlights of current knowledge: a unified picture

Several strong conclusions emerge concerning pre-mRNA processing from both old and newer experiments. The RNAPII complex is involved with pre-mRNA processing through binding of processing proteins to the CTD (carboxyl terminal domain) of the largest RNAPII subunit. These interactions are necessary for efficient processing, but whether factor binding to the CTD and delivery to splicing sites is obligatory or facilitatory is unsettled. Capping, addition of an m(7)Gppp residue (cap) to the initial transcribed residue of a pre-mRNA, occurs within seconds. Splicing of pre-mRNA by spliceosomes at particular sites is most likely committed during transcription by the binding of initiating processing factors and ∼50% of the time is completed in mammalian cells before completion of the primary transcript. This fact has led to an outpouring in the literature about "cotranscriptional splicing." However splicing requires several minutes for completion and can take longer. The RNAPII complex moves through very long introns and also through regions dense with alternating exons and introns at an average rate of ∼3 kb per min and is, therefore, not likely detained at each splice site for more than a few seconds, if at all. Cleavage of the primary transcript at the 3' end and polyadenylation occurs within 30 sec or less at recognized polyA sites, and the majority of newly polyadenylated pre-mRNA molecules are much larger than the average mRNA. Finally, it seems quite likely that the nascent RNA most often remains associated with the chromosomal locus being transcribed until processing is complete, possibly acquiring factors related to the transport of the new mRNA to the cytoplasm.

Theory on the coupled stochastic dynamics of transcription and splice-site recognition

Eukaryotic genes are typically split into exons that need to be spliced together to form the mature mRNA. The splicing process depends on the dynamics and interactions among transcription by the RNA polymerase II complex (RNAPII) and the spliceosomal complex consisting of multiple small nuclear ribonucleo proteins (snRNPs). Here we propose a biophysically plausible initial theory of splicing that aims to explain the effects of the stochastic dynamics of snRNPs on the splicing patterns of eukaryotic genes. We consider two different ways to model the dynamics of snRNPs: pure three-dimensional diffusion and a combination of three- and one-dimensional diffusion along the emerging pre-mRNA. Our theoretical analysis shows that there exists an optimum position of the splice sites on the growing pre-mRNA at which the time required for snRNPs to find the 5′ donor site is minimized. The minimization of the overall search time is achieved mainly via the increase in non-specific interactions between the snRNPs and the growing pre-mRNA. The theory further predicts that there exists an optimum transcript length that maximizes the probabilities for exons to interact with the snRNPs. We evaluate these theoretical predictions by considering human and mouse exon microarray data as well as RNAseq data from multiple different tissues. We observe that there is a broad optimum position of splice sites on the growing pre-mRNA and an optimum transcript length, which are roughly consistent with the theoretical predictions. The theoretical and experimental analyses suggest that there is a strong interaction between the dynamics of RNAPII and the stochastic nature of snRNP search for 5′ donor splicing sites.

The DNA encoding most eukaryotic genes is interrupted by long sequences called introns. These introns need to be removed through the process of splicing to produce the mature messenger RNA. The process of splicing plays a critical role in determining the exact aminoacid content of the ensuing protein. Several molecules denominated small nuclear ribonucleo proteins (snRNPs) are involved in finding the appropriate 5′ donor splicing sites for splicing. Transcription and splicing occur simultaneously and the ultimate product depends on the relative speed of transcription and the stochastic dynamics underlying splicing. Here we propose a biophysically plausible theory that describes the ongoing interactions between transcription and splicing. We show that the theoretical predictions are consistent with experimental measurements of the abundance patterns of different exons and transcripts across tissues.

Molecular design of a splicing switch responsive to the RNA binding protein Tra2β

Tra2β regulates a number of splicing switches including activation of the human testis-specific exon HIPK3-T in the Homeodomain Interacting Protein Kinase 3 gene. By testing HIPK3-T exons of different intrinsic strengths, we found Tra2β most efficiently activated splicing inclusion of intrinsically weak exons, although these were spliced at a lower overall level. Both the RRM and N-terminal RS-rich region of Tra2β were required for splicing activation. Bioinformatic searches for splicing enhancers and repressors mapped four physically distinct exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) within HIPK3-T, each containing the known Tra2β AGAA-rich binding site. Surprisingly disruption of each single ESE prevented Tra2β-mediated activation, although single mutated exons could still bind Tra2β protein by gel shifts and functional splicing analyses. Titration experiments indicate an additive model of HIPK3-T splicing activation, requiring availability of an array of four distinct ESEs to enable splicing activation. To enable this efficient Tra2β-mediated splicing switch to operate, a closely adjacent downstream and potentially competitive stronger 5'-splice site is actively repressed. Our data indicate that a novel arrangement of multiple mono-specific AGAA-rich ESEs coupled to a weak 5'-splice site functions as a responsive gauge. This gauge monitors changes in the specific nuclear concentration of the RNA binding protein Tra2β, and co-ordinately regulates HIPK3-T exon splicing inclusion.

Design principles for bifunctional targeted oligonucleotide enhancers of splicing

Controlling the patterns of splicing of specific genes is an important goal in the development of new therapies. We have shown that the splicing of a refractory exon, SMN2 exon 7, could be increased in fibroblasts derived from patients with spinal muscular atrophy by using bifunctional targeted oligonucleotide enhancers of splicing (TOES) oligonucleotides that anneal to the exon and contain a ‘tail’ of enhancer sequences that recruit activating proteins. We show here that there are striking agreements between the effects of oligonucleotides on splicing in vitro and on both splicing and SMN2 protein expression in patient-derived fibroblasts, indicating that the effects on splicing are the major determinant of success. Increased exon inclusion depends on the number, sequence and chemistry of the motifs that bind the activator protein SRSF1, but it is not improved by increasing the strength of annealing to the target site. The optimal oligonucleotide increases protein levels in transfected fibroblasts by a mean value of 2.6-fold (maximum 4.6-fold), and after two rounds of transfection the effect lasted for a month. Oligonucleotides targeted to the upstream exon (exon 6 in SMN) are also effective. We conclude that TOES oligonucleotides are highly effective reagents for restoring the splicing of refractory exons and can act across long introns.

Genomic features defining exonic variants that modulate splicing

A comparative analysis of SNPs and their exonic and intronic environments identifies the features predictive of splice affecting variants.

Background

Single point mutations at both synonymous and non-synonymous positions within exons can have severe effects on gene function through disruption of splicing. Predicting these mutations in silico purely from the genomic sequence is difficult due to an incomplete understanding of the multiple factors that may be responsible. In addition, little is known about which computational prediction approaches, such as those involving exonic splicing enhancers and exonic splicing silencers, are most informative.

Results

We assessed the features of single-nucleotide genomic variants verified to cause exon skipping and compared them to a large set of coding SNPs common in the human population, which are likely to have no effect on splicing. Our findings implicate a number of features important for their ability to discriminate splice-affecting variants, including the naturally occurring density of exonic splicing enhancers and exonic splicing silencers of the exon and intronic environment, extensive changes in the number of predicted exonic splicing enhancers and exonic splicing silencers, proximity to the splice junctions and evolutionary constraint of the region surrounding the variant. By extending this approach to additional datasets, we also identified relevant features of variants that cause increased exon inclusion and ectopic splice site activation.

Conclusions

We identified a number of features that have statistically significant representation among exonic variants that modulate splicing. These analyses highlight putative mechanisms responsible for splicing outcome and emphasize the role of features important for exon definition. We developed a web-tool, Skippy, to score coding variants for these relevant splice-modulating features.

Splicing of designer exons reveals unexpected complexity in pre-mRNA splicing

Pre-messengerRNA (mRNA) splicing requires the accurate recognition of splice sites by the cellular RNA processing machinery. In addition to sequences that comprise the branchpoint and the 3' and 5' splice sites, the cellular splicing machinery relies on additional information in the form of exonic and intronic splicing enhancer and silencer sequences. The high abundance of these motifs makes it difficult to investigate their effects using standard genetic perturbations, since their disruption often leads to the formation of yet new elements. To lessen this problem, we have designed synthetic exons comprised of multiple copies of a single prototypical exonic enhancer and a single prototypical exonic silencer sequence separated by neutral spacer sequences. The spacer sequences buffer the exon against the formation of new elements as the number and order of the original elements are varied. Over 100 such designer exons were constructed by random ligation of enhancer, silencer, and neutral elements. Each exon was positioned as the central exon in a 3-exon minigene and tested for exon inclusion after transient transfection. The level of inclusion of the test exons was seen to be dependent on the provision of enhancers and could be decreased by the provision of silencers. In general, there was a good quantitative correlation between the proportion of enhancers and splicing. However, widely varying inclusion levels could be produced by different permutations of the enhancer and silencer elements, indicating that even in this simplified system splicing decisions rest on complex interplays of yet to be determined parameters.

Exon creation and establishment in human genes

BACKGROUND

A large proportion of species-specific exons are alternatively spliced. In primates, Alu elements play a crucial role in the process of exon creation but many new exons have appeared through other mechanisms. Despite many recent studies, it is still unclear which are the splicing regulatory requirements for de novo exonization and how splicing regulation changes throughout an exon's lifespan.

RESULTS

Using comparative genomics, we have defined sets of exons with different evolutionary ages. Younger exons have weaker splice-sites and lower absolute values for the relative abundance of putative splicing regulators between exonic and adjacent intronic regions, indicating a less consolidated splicing regulation. This relative abundance is shown to increase with exon age, leading to higher exon inclusion. We show that this local difference in the density of regulators might be of biological significance, as it outperforms other measures in real exon versus pseudo-exon classification. We apply this new measure to the specific case of the exonization of anti-sense Alu elements and show that they are characterized by a general lack of exonic splicing silencers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that specific sequence environments are required for exonization and that these can change with time. We propose a model of exon creation and establishment in human genes, in which splicing decisions depend on the relative local abundance of regulatory motifs. Using this model, we provide further explanation as to why Alu elements serve as a major substrate for exon creation in primates. Finally, we discuss the benefits of integrating such information in gene prediction.

Finding exonic islands in a sea of non-coding sequence: splicing related constraints on protein composition and evolution are common in intron-rich genomes

BACKGROUND

In mammals, splice-regulatory domains impose marked trends on the relative abundance of certain amino acids near exon-intron boundaries. Is this a mammalian particularity or symptomatic of exonic splicing regulation across taxa? Are such trends more common in species that a priori have a harder time identifying exon ends, that is, those with pre-mRNA rich in intronic sequence? We address these questions surveying exon composition in a sample of phylogenetically diverse genomes.

RESULTS

Biased amino acid usage near exon-intron boundaries is common throughout the metazoa but not restricted to the metazoa. There is extensive cross-species concordance as to which amino acids are affected, and reduced/elevated abundances are well predicted by knowledge of splice enhancers. Species expected to rely on exon definition for splicing, that is, those with a higher ratio of intronic to coding sequence, more introns per gene and longer introns, exhibit more amino acid skews. Notably, this includes the intron-rich basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans, which, unlike intron-poor ascomycetes (Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), exhibits compositional biases reminiscent of the metazoa. Strikingly, 5 prime ends of nematode exons deviate radically from normality: amino acids strongly preferred near boundaries are strongly avoided in other species, and vice versa. This we suggest is a measure to avoid attracting trans-splicing machinery.

CONCLUSION

Constraints on amino acid composition near exon-intron boundaries are phylogenetically widespread and characteristic of species where exon localization should be problematic. That compositional biases accord with sequence preferences of splice-regulatory proteins and are absent in ascomycetes is consistent with selection on exonic splicing regulation.

Insights into the selective activation of alternatively used splice acceptors by the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 bidirectional splicing enhancer

The guanosine-adenosine-rich exonic splicing enhancer (GAR ESE) identified in exon 5 of the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) pre-mRNA activates either an enhancer-dependent 5′ splice site (ss) or 3′ ss in 1-intron reporter constructs in the presence of the SR proteins SF2/ASF2 and SRp40. Characterizing the mode of action of the GAR ESE inside the internal HIV-1 exon 5 we found that this enhancer fulfils a dual splicing regulatory function (i) by synergistically mediating exon recognition through its individual SR protein-binding sites and (ii) by conferring 3′ ss selectivity within the 3′ ss cluster preceding exon 5. Both functions depend upon the GAR ESE, U1 snRNP binding at the downstream 5′ ss D4 and the E42 sequence located between these elements. Therefore, a network of cross-exon interactions appears to regulate splicing of the alternative exons 4a and 5. As the GAR ESE-mediated activation of the upstream 3′ ss cluster also is essential for the processing of intron-containing vpu/env-mRNAs during intermediate viral gene expression, the GAR enhancer substantially contributes to the regulation of viral replication.

Multisite and bidirectional exonic splicing enhancer in CD44 alternative exon v3

The human CD44 gene encodes multiple isoforms of a transmembrane protein that differ in their extracellular domains as a result of alternative splicing of its variable exons. Expression of CD44 is tightly regulated according to the type and physiological status of a cell, with expression of high molecular weight isoforms by inclusion of variable exons and low molecular weight isoforms containing few or no variable exons. Human CD44 variable exon 3 (v3) can follow a specific alternative splicing route different from that affecting other variable exons. Here we map and functionally describe the splicing enhancer element within CD44 exon v3 which regulates its inclusion in the final mRNA. The v3 splicing enhancer is a multisite bipartite element consisting of a tandem nonamer, the XX motif, and an heptamer, the Y motif, located centrally in the exon. Each of the three sites of this multisite enhancer partially retains its splicing enhancing capacity independently from each other in CD44 and shows full enhancing function in gene contexts different from CD44. We further demonstrate that these motifs act cooperatively as at least two motifs are needed to maintain exon inclusion. Their action is differential with respect to the splice-site target abutting v3. The first X motif acts on the 3' splice site, the second X motif acts on both splice sites (as a bidirectional exonic splicing enhancer), and the Y motif acts on the 5' splice site. We also show that the multisite v3 splicing enhancer is functional irrespective of flanking intron length and spatial organization within v3.

Regulatory mechanisms for 3'-end alternative splicing and polyadenylation of the Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, GFAP, transcript

The glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP, forms the intermediate cytoskeleton in cells of the glial lineage. Besides the common GFAPα transcript, the GFAPε and GFAPκ transcripts are generated by alternative mRNA 3′-end processing. Here we use a GFAP minigene to characterize molecular mechanisms participating in alternative GFAP expression. Usage of a polyadenylation signal within the alternatively spliced exon 7a is essential to generate the GFAPκ and GFAPκ transcripts. The GFAPκ mRNA is distinct from GFAPε mRNA given that it also includes intron 7a. Polyadenylation at the exon 7a site is stimulated by the upstream splice site. Moreover, exon 7a splice enhancer motifs supported both exon 7a splicing and polyadenylation. SR proteins increased the usage of the exon 7a polyadenylation signal but not the exon 7a splicing, whereas the polypyrimidine tract binding (PTB) protein enhanced both exon 7a polyadenylation and exon 7a splicing. Finally, increasing transcription by the VP16 trans-activator did not affect the frequency of use of the exon 7a polyadenylation signal whereas the exon 7a splicing frequency was decreased. Our data suggest a model with the selection of the exon 7a polyadenylation site being the essential and primary event for regulating GFAP alternative processing.

Interplay between exonic splicing enhancers, mRNA processing, and mRNA surveillance in the dystrophic Mdx mouse

Background

Pre-mRNA splicing, the removal of introns from RNA, takes place within the spliceosome, a macromolecular complex composed of five small nuclear RNAs and a large number of associated proteins. Spliceosome assembly is modulated by the 5′ and 3′ splice site consensus sequences situated at the ends of each intron, as well as by exonic and intronic splicing enhancers/silencers recognized by SR and hnRNP proteins. Nonsense mutations introducing a premature termination codon (PTC) often result in the activation of cellular quality control systems that reduce mRNA levels or alter the mRNA splicing pattern. The mdx mouse, a commonly used genetic model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), lacks dystrophin by virtue of a premature termination codon (PTC) in exon 23 that also severely reduces the level of dystrophin mRNA. However, the effect of the mutation on dystrophin RNA processing has not yet been described.

Methodology/Principal Finding

Using combinations of different biochemical and cellular assays, we found that the mdx mutation partially disrupts a multisite exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) that is recognized by a 40 kDa SR protein. In spite of the presence of an inefficient intron 22 3′ splice site containing the rare GAG triplet, the mdx mutation does not activate nonsense-associated altered splicing (NAS), but induces exclusively nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). Functional binding sites for SR proteins were also identified in exon 22 and 24, and in vitro experiments show that SR proteins can mediate direct association between exon 22, 23, and 24.

Conclusions/Significance

Our findings highlight the complex crosstalk between trans-acting factors, cis-elements and the RNA surveillance machinery occurring during dystrophin mRNA processing. Moreover, they suggest that dystrophin exon–exon interactions could play an important role in preventing mdx exon 23 skipping, as well as in facilitating the pairing of committed splice sites.

SR proteins and related factors in alternative splicing

SR proteins are a family of RNA binding proteins that contain a signature RS domain enriched with serine/arginine repeats. The RS domain is also found in many other proteins, which are collectively referred to as SR-related proteins. Several prototypical SR proteins are essential splicing factors, but the majority of RS domain-containing factors are characterized by their ability to alter splice site selection in vitro or in transfected cells. SR proteins and SR-related proteins are generally believed to modulate splice site selection via RNA recognition motif-mediated binding to exonic splicing enhancers and RS domain-mediated protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions during spliceosome assembly. However, the biological function of individual RS domain-containing splicing regulators is complex because of redundant as well as competitive functions, context-dependent effects and regulation by cotranscriptional and post-translational events. This chapter will focus on our current mechanistic understanding of alternative splicing regulation by SR proteins and SR-related proteins and will discuss some of the questions that remain to be addressed in future research.

The splicing regulators Tra and Tra2 are unusually potent activators of pre-mRNA splicing

Sexual differentiation in Drosophila is regulated through alternative splicing of doublesex. Female-specific splicing is activated through the activity of splicing enhancer complexes assembled on multiple repeat elements. Each of these repeats serves as a binding platform for the cooperative assembly of a heterotrimeric complex consisting of the SR proteins Tra, Tra2 and 9G8. Using quantitative kinetic analyses, we demonstrate that each component of the enhancer complex is capable of recruiting the spliceosome. Surprisingly, Tra, Tra2 and 9G8 are much stronger splicing activators than other SR protein family members and their activation potential is significantly higher than expected from their serine/arginine content. 9G8 activates splicing not only through its RS domains but also through its RNA-binding domain. The RS domains of Tra and Tra2 are required but not sufficient for efficient complex assembly. Thus, the regulated assembly of the dsx enhancer complexes leads to the generation of an extended activation domain to guarantee the ‘all or none’ splicing switch that is required during Drosophila sexual differentiation.

Arginine/serine-rich protein interaction domain-dependent modulation of a tau exon 10 splicing enhancer: altered interactions and mechanisms for functionally antagonistic FTDP-17 mutations Delta280K AND N279K

Tau exon 10 splicing is altered by autosomal dominant mutations that cause frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism chromosome 17-type and by unknown mechanisms in other related neurodegenerative disorders. Identifying cis- and trans-regulators of tau exon 10 splicing is therefore crucial for understanding disease mechanisms. We previously identified several splicing enhancers and silencers within exon 10 and intron 10. Here, we show that splicing factors SF2/ASF, Tra2beta, and a 50-kDa nuclear protein bind in vitro to the polypurine enhancer at the 5' end of exon 10. Disease splicing mutations N279K and Delta280K disrupt the enhancer and alter associations with these factors. N279K targets robustly bind Tra2beta compared with the normal enhancer, which may explain why N279K enhances exon 10 splicing in vivo. In contrast, factor associations with Delta280K targets are nearly undetectable, explaining why Delta280K almost abolishes exon 10 splicing in vivo. Small interfering RNA-mediated suppression of endogenous SF2/ASF and Tra2beta significantly reduces exon 10 splicing. Exogenous SF2/ASF dramatically enhances normal exon 10 splicing and efficiently rescues the Delta280K splicing defect. Domain deletion analyses show that the C-terminal RS domains of SF2/ASF and Tra2beta are required for normal exon 10 splicing in vivo. In contrast to Tra2beta, the SF2/ASF RS domain remains essential in the presence of a strengthened enhancer or when either weak splice site is strengthened. The data suggest that SF2/ASF has both essential and regulatory roles, whereas Tra2beta has a supporting role in exon 10 splicing.

Exon inclusion is dependent on predictable exonic splicing enhancers

We have previously formulated a list of approximately 2,000 RNA octamers as putative exonic splicing enhancers (PESEs) based on a statistical comparison of human exonic and nonexonic sequences (X. H. Zhang and L. A. Chasin, Genes Dev. 18:1241-1250, 2004). When inserted into a poorly spliced test exon, all eight tested octamers stimulated splicing, a result consistent with their identification as exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs). Here we present a much more stringent test of the validity of this list of PESEs. Twenty-two naturally occurring examples of nonoverlapping PESEs or PESE clusters were identified in six mammalian exons; five of the six exons tested are constitutively spliced. Each of the 22 individual PESEs or PESE clusters was disrupted by site-directed mutagenesis, usually by a single-base substitution. Eighteen of the 22 disruptions (82%) resulted in decreased splicing efficiency. In contrast, 24 control mutations had little or no effect on splicing. This high rate of success suggests that most PESEs function as ESEs in their natural context. Like most exons, these exons contain several PESEs. Since knocking out any one of several could produce a severalfold decrease in splicing efficiency, we conclude that there is little redundancy among ESEs in an exon and that they must work in concert to optimize splicing.

Distribution of SR protein exonic splicing enhancer motifs in human protein-coding genes

Exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) are pre-mRNA cis-acting elements required for splice-site recognition. We previously developed a web-based program called ESEfinder that scores any sequence for the presence of ESE motifs recognized by the human SR proteins SF2/ASF, SRp40, SRp55 and SC35 (). Using ESEfinder, we have undertaken a large-scale analysis of ESE motif distribution in human protein-coding genes. Significantly higher frequencies of ESE motifs were observed in constitutive internal protein-coding exons, compared with both their flanking intronic regions and with pseudo exons. Statistical analysis of ESE motif frequency distributions revealed a complex relationship between splice-site strength and increased or decreased frequencies of particular SR protein motifs. Comparison of constitutively and alternatively spliced exons demonstrated slightly weaker splice-site scores, as well as significantly fewer ESE motifs, in the alternatively spliced group. Our results underline the importance of ESE-mediated SR protein function in the process of exon definition, in the context of both constitutive splicing and regulated alternative splicing.

Exonic splicing enhancers in fission yeast: functional conservation demonstrates an early evolutionary origin

Discrete sequence elements known as exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) have been shown to influence both the efficiency of splicing and the profile of mature mRNAs in multicellular eukaryotes. While the existence of ESEs has not been demonstrated previously in unicellular eukaryotes, the factors known to recognize these elements and mediate their communication with the core splicing machinery are conserved and essential in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Here, we provide evidence that ESE function is conserved through evolution by demonstrating that three exonic splicing enhancers derived from vertebrates (chicken ASLV, mouse IgM, and human cTNT) promote splicing of two distinct S. pombe pre-messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). Second, as in extracts from mammalian cells, ESE function in S. pombe is compromised by mutations and increased distance from the 3'-splice site. Third, three-hybrid analyses indicate that the essential SR (serine/arginine-rich) protein Srp2p, but not the dispensable Srp1p, binds specifically to both native and heterologous purine-rich elements; thus, Srp2p is the likely mediator of ESE function in fission yeast. Finally, we have identified five natural purine-rich elements from S. pombe that promote splicing of our reporter pre-mRNAs. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that the genesis of ESE-mediated splicing occurred early in eukaryotic evolution.

Mechanisms of alternative pre-messenger RNA splicing

Alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a central mode of genetic regulation in higher eukaryotes. Variability in splicing patterns is a major source of protein diversity from the genome. In this review, I describe what is currently known of the molecular mechanisms that control changes in splice site choice. I start with the best-characterized systems from the Drosophila sex determination pathway, and then describe the regulators of other systems about whose mechanisms there is some data. How these regulators are combined into complex systems of tissue-specific splicing is discussed. In conclusion, very recent studies are presented that point to new directions for understanding alternative splicing and its mechanisms.

Direct repression of splicing by transformer-2

The Drosophila melanogaster sex determination factor Tra2 positively regulates the splicing of both doublesex (dsx) and fruitless (fru) pre-mRNAs but negatively affects the splicing of the M1 intron in tra2 pre-mRNA. Retention of the M1 intron is known to be part of a negative-feedback mechanism wherein the Tra2 protein limits its own synthesis, but the mechanism responsible for accumulation of M1-containing RNA is unknown. Here we show that the recombinant Tra2 protein specifically represses M1 splicing in Drosophila nuclear extracts. We find that the Tra2 protein binds directly to several sites in and near the M1 intron and that, when Tra2 binding is competed with other RNAs, the splicing of M1 is restored. Mapping the RNA sequences functionally required for M1 repression identified both a 34-nucleotide (nt) A/C-rich sequence immediately upstream of the M1 5' splice site and a region within the intron itself. The AC-rich sequence is largely composed of a repeated 4-nt sequence that also forms a subrepeat within the repeated 13-nt splicing enhancer elements of fru and dsx RNAs. Although required for repression, the element also enhances M1 splicing in the absence of Tra2. We propose that Tra2 represses M1 splicing by interacting with multiple sequences in the pre-mRNA and interfering with enhancer function.

Enhancer-dependent 5'-splice site control of fruitless pre-mRNA splicing

The Drosophila fruitless (fru) gene encodes a transcription factor that essentially regulates all aspects of male courtship behavior. The use of alternative 5'-splice sites generates fru isoforms that determine gender-appropriate sexual behaviors. Alternative splicing of fru is regulated by TRA and TRA2 and depends on an exonic splicing enhancer (fruRE) consisting of three 13-nucleotide repeat elements, nearly identical to those that regulate alternative sex-specific 3'-splice site choice in the doublesex (dsx) gene. dsx has provided a useful model system to investigate the mechanisms of enhancer-dependent 3'-splice site choice. However, little is known about enhancer-dependent regulation of alternative 5'-splice sites. The mechanisms of this process were investigated using an in vitro system in which recombinant TRA/TRA2 could activate the female-specific 5'-splice site of fru. Mutational analysis demonstrated that one 13-nucleotide repeat element within the fruRE is required and sufficient to activate the regulated female-specific splice site. As was established for dsx, the fruRE can be replaced by a short element encompassing tandem 13-nucleotide repeat elements, by heterologous splicing enhancers, and by artificially tethering a splicing activator to the pre-mRNA. Complementation experiments showed that Ser/Arg-rich proteins facilitate enhancer-dependent 5'-splice site activation. We conclude that splicing enhancers function similarly in activating regulated 5'- and 3'-splice sites. These results suggest that exonic splicing enhancers recruit multiple spliceosomal components required for the initial recognition of 5'- and 3'-splice sites.

Roles of hnRNP A1, SR proteins, and p68 helicase in c-H-ras alternative splicing regulation

Human ras genes play central roles in coupling extracellular signals with complex intracellular networks controlling proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, among others processes. c-H-ras pre-mRNA can be alternatively processed into two mRNAs due to the inclusion or exclusion of the alternative exon IDX; this renders two proteins, p21H-Ras and p19H-RasIDX, which differ only at the carboxy terminus. Here, we have characterized some of the cis-acting sequences and trans-acting factors regulating IDX splicing. A downstream intronic silencer sequence (rasISS1), acting in concert with IDX, negatively regulates upstream intron splicing. This effect is mediated, at least in part, by the binding of hnRNP A1. Depletion and add-back experiments in nuclear extracts have confirmed hnRNP A1's inhibitory role in IDX splicing. Moreover, the addition of two SR proteins, SC35 and SRp40, can counteract this inhibition by strongly promoting the splicing of the upstream intron both in vivo and in vitro. Further, the RNA-dependent helicase p68 is also associated with both IDX and rasISS1 RNA, and suppression of p68 expression in HeLa cells by RNAi experiments results in a marked increase of IDX inclusion in the endogenous mRNA, suggesting a role for this protein in alternative splicing regulation.

Defects in pre-mRNA processing as causes of and predisposition to diseases

Humans possess a surprisingly low number of genes and intensively use pre-mRNA splicing to achieve the high molecular complexity needed to sustain normal body functions and facilitate responses to altered conditions. Because hundreds of thousands of proteins are generated by 25,000 to 40,000 genes, pre-mRNA processing events are highly important for the regulation of human gene expression. Both inherited and acquired defects in pre-mRNA processing are increasingly recognized as causes of human diseases, and almost all pre-mRNA processing events are controlled by a combination of protein factors. This makes defects in these processes likely candidates for causes of diseases with complicated inheritance patterns that affect seemingly unrelated functions. The elucidation of genetic mechanisms regulating pre-mRNA processing, combined with the development of drugs targeted at consensus RNA sequences and/or corresponding proteins, can lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Ischemia induces a translocation of the splicing factor tra2-beta 1 and changes alternative splicing patterns in the brain

Alternative splice-site selection is regulated by the relative concentration of individual members of the serine-arginine family of proteins and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins. Most of these proteins accumulate predominantly in the nucleus, and a subset of them shuttles continuously between nucleus and cytosol. We demonstrate that in primary neuronal cultures, a rise in intracellular calcium concentration induced by thapsigargin leads to a translocation of the splicing regulatory protein tra2-beta1 and a consequent change in splice-site selection. To investigate this phenomenon under physiological conditions, we used an ischemia model. Ischemia induced in the brain causes a cytoplasmic accumulation and hyperphosphorylation of tra2-beta1. In addition, several of the proteins binding to tra2-beta1, such as src associated in mitosis 68 and serine/arginine-rich proteins, accumulate in the cytosol. Concomitant with this subcellular relocalization, we observed a change in alternative splice-site usage of the ICH-1 gene. The increased usage of its alternative exons is in agreement with previous studies demonstrating its repression by a high concentration of proteins with serine/arginine-rich domains. Our findings suggest that a change in the calcium concentration associated with ischemia is part of a signaling event, which changes pre-mRNA splicing pathways by causing relocalization of proteins that regulate splice-site selection.

Multiple roles for SR proteins in trans splicing

The trans-splicing reaction involves the association of 5' and 3' splice sites contained on separate transcripts. The mechanism by which these splice sites are juxtaposed during trans-spliceosome assembly and the role of SR proteins at each stage in this process have not been determined. Utilizing a system that allows for the separation of the RNA binding and RS domains of SR proteins, we have found that SR proteins are required for at least two stages of the trans-splicing reaction. They are important both prior to and subsequent to the addition of U2 snRNP to the 3' acceptor. In addition, we have demonstrated a role for RS domain phosphorylation in both of these activities. Dephosphorylation of the RS domain led to a block in U2 snRNP binding to the substrate. In a separate experiment, RS domain phosphorylation was also determined to be necessary for trans splicing to proceed on a substrate that had U2 snRNP already bound. This newly identified role for phosphorylated SR proteins post-U2-snRNP addition coincides with the recruitment of the 5' splice site contained on the SL RNP, suggesting a role for SR proteins in splice site communication in trans splicing.

Alternative pre-mRNA splicing and proteome expansion in metazoans

The protein coding sequences of most eukaryotic messenger RNA precursors (pre-mRNAs) are interrupted by non-coding sequences called introns. Pre-mRNA splicing is the process by which introns are removed and the protein coding elements assembled into mature mRNAs. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing selectively joins different protein coding elements to form mRNAs that encode proteins with distinct functions, and is therefore an important source of protein diversity. The elaboration of this mechanism may have had a significant role in the expansion of metazoan proteomes during evolution.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) K is a component of an intronic splicing enhancer complex that activates the splicing of the alternative exon 6A from chicken beta-tropomyosin pre-mRNA

Splicing of the chicken beta-tropomyosin exon 6A is stimulated, both in vivo and in vitro, by an intronic pyrimidine-rich element (S4) located 37 nucleotides downstream of exon 6A. Several pyrimidine-rich sequences are able to substitute for the natural S4 enhancer with various stimulatory effects. We show that the different enhancer sequences recruit U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (SnRNP) to the exon 6A 5' splice site, with an efficiency that correlates with the splicing activation. By using RNA affinity and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, we characterized several proteins that bind to the different enhancer sequences. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) K and hnRNP I (polypyrimidine track-binding protein, PTB) exhibit a higher level of interaction with the strong enhancer sequences (S4) than with the weakest enhancers. Functional analysis shows that hnRNP K is a component of the enhancer complex that promotes exon 6A splicing through the wild-type S4 sequence. The addition of recombinant hnRNP K to nuclear extracts preincubated with poly(rC) RNA competitor completely restores splicing efficiency to the original level. hnRNP I (PTB) was also found associated with the strong enhancer sequences. Its function in the splicing of exon 6A is discussed.

Characterization of U2AF(6), a splicing factor related to U2AF(35)

The essential splicing factor U2AF (U2 auxiliary factor) is a heterodimer composed of 65-kDa (U2AF(65)) and 35-kDa (U2AF(35)) subunits. U2AF(35) has multiple functions in pre-mRNA splicing. First, U2AF(35) has been shown to function by directly interacting with the AG at the 3' splice site. Second, U2AF(35) is thought to play a role in the recruitment of U2AF(65) by serine-arginine-rich (SR) proteins in enhancer-dependent splicing. It has been proposed that the physical interaction between the arginine-serine-rich (RS) domain of U2AF(35) and SR proteins is important for this activity. However, other data suggest that this may not be the case. Here, we report the identification of a mammalian gene that encodes a 26-kDa protein bearing strong sequence similarity to U2AF(35), designated U2AF(26). The N-terminal 187 amino acids of U2AF(35) and U2AF(26) are nearly identical. However, the C-terminal domain of U2AF(26) lacks many characteristics of the U2AF(35) RS domain and, therefore, might be incapable of interacting with SR proteins. We show that U2AF(26) can associate with U2AF(65) and can functionally substitute for U2AF(35) in both constitutive and enhancer-dependent splicing, demonstrating that the RS domain of the small U2AF subunit is not required for splicing enhancer function. Finally, we show that U2AF(26) functions by enhancing the binding of U2AF(65) to weak 3' splice sites. These studies identify U2AF(26) as a mammalian splicing factor and demonstrate that distinct U2AF complexes can participate in pre-mRNA splicing. Based on its sequence and functional similarity to U2AF(35), U2AF(26) may play a role in regulating alternative splicing.

Alternative ribonucleic acid processing in endocrine systems

Alternative RNA processing is a mechanism for creation of protein diversity through selective inclusion or exclusion of RNA sequence during posttranscriptional processing. More than one-third of human pre-mRNAs undergo alternative RNA processing modification, making this a ubiquitous biological process. The protein isoforms produced have distinct and sometimes opposite functions, underscoring the importance of this process. This review focuses on important endocrine genes regulated by alternative RNA processing. We discuss how diverse events such as spermatogenesis or GH action are regulated by this process. We focus on several endocrine (calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide) and nonendocrine (Drosophila doublesex and P-element and mouse c-src) examples to highlight recent progress in the elucidation of molecular mechanisms regulating this process. Finally, we outline methods (model systems and techniques) used by investigators in this field to study processing of individual pre-mRNAS:

Cooperative assembly of an hnRNP complex induced by a tissue-specific homolog of polypyrimidine tract binding protein

Splicing of the c-src N1 exon in neuronal cells depends in part on an intronic cluster of RNA regulatory elements called the downstream control sequence (DCS). Using site-specific cross-linking, RNA gel shift, and DCS RNA affinity chromatography assays, we characterized the binding of several proteins to specific sites along the DCS RNA. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) H, polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB), and KH-type splicing-regulatory protein (KSRP) each bind to distinct elements within this sequence. We also identified a new 60-kDa tissue-specific protein that binds to the CUCUCU splicing repressor element of the DCS RNA. This protein was purified, partially sequenced, and cloned. The new protein (neurally enriched homolog of PTB [nPTB]) is highly homologous to PTB. Unlike PTB, nPTB is enriched in the brain and in some neural cell lines. Although similar in sequence, nPTB and PTB show significant differences in their properties. nPTB binds more stably to the DCS RNA than PTB does but is a weaker repressor of splicing in vitro. nPTB also greatly enhances the binding of two other proteins, hnRNP H and KSRP, to the DCS RNA. These experiments identify specific cooperative interactions between the proteins that assemble onto an intricate splicing-regulatory sequence and show how this hnRNP assembly is altered in different cell types by incorporating different but highly related proteins.

Control of hnRNP A1 alternative splicing: an intron element represses use of the common 3' splice site

Alternative splicing of exon 7B in the hnRNP A1 pre-mRNA produces mRNAs encoding two proteins: hnRNP A1 and the less abundant A1B. We have reported the identification of several intron elements that contribute to exon 7B skipping. In this study, we report the activity of a novel element, conserved element 9 (CE9), located in the intron downstream of exon 7B. We show that multiple copies of CE9 inhibit exon 7B-exon 8 splicing in vitro. When CE9 is inserted between two competing 3' splice sites, a single copy of CE9 decreases splicing to the distal 3' splice site. Our in vivo results also support the conclusion that CE9 is a splicing modulator. First, inserting multiple copies of CE9 into an A1 minigene compromises the production of fully spliced products. Second, one copy of CE9 stimulates the inclusion of a short internal exon in a derivative of the human beta-globin gene. In this case, in vitro splicing assays suggest that CE9 decreases splicing of intron 1, an event that improves splicing of intron 2 and decreases skipping of the short internal exon. The ability of CE9 to act on heterologous substrates, combined with the results of a competition assay, suggest that the activity of CE9 is mediated by a trans-acting factor. Our results indicate that CE9 represses the use of the common 3' splice site in the hnRNP A1 alternative splicing unit.

Mapping the SF2/ASF binding sites in the bovine growth hormone exonic splicing enhancer

Splicing of the last intron (intron D) of the bovine growth hormone pre-mRNA requires the presence of a downstream exonic splicing enhancer (ESE). This enhancer is contained within a 115-nucleotide FspI-PvuII (FP) fragment located in the middle of the last exon (exon 5). Previous work showed that the splicing factor SF2/ASF binds to this FP region and stimulates splicing of intron D in vitro. However, the precise sequences recognized by SF2/ASF within the FP region had not been determined. Here we used multiple strategies to map the SF2/ASF binding sites and determine their importance for ESE function. Taking advantage of the fact that SF2/ASF ultraviolet (UV) cross-links specifically to RNA containing the FP sequence, we first mapped a major SF2/ASF binding site by UV cross-linking and reverse transcription. This strategy identified a 29-nucleotide SF2/ASF binding region in the middle of the FP sequence containing the 7-nucleotide purine-rich motif described previously. Interestingly, this binding region is neither sufficient, nor absolutely required for SF2/ASF-mediated splicing, suggesting that additional SF2/ASF binding sites are present. The location of these additional sites was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift analysis of various subfragments of the FP sequence. Antisense 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides complementary to selected SF2/ASF binding sites block bovine growth hormone intron D splicing. Thus, multiple SF2/ASF binding sites within the exonic splicing enhancer contribute to maximal enhancer activity.

A trans-acting factor, isolated by the three-hybrid system, that influences alternative splicing of the amyloid precursor protein minigene

Two clones were isolated in a three-hybrid screen of a rat fetal brain P5 cDNA library with an intronic splicing enhancer of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene as RNA bait. These clones represent the rat homologues of the previously described genes CUG-binding protein (CUG-BP) and Siah-binding protein (Siah-BP). Both interact in a sequence-specific manner with the RNA bait used for library screening as well as with the CUG repeat. In contrast, no interactions were observed in the three-hybrid assay with other baits tested. In two-hybrid assays, Siah-BP interacts with U2AF65 as well as with itself. EWS, an RGG-type RNA-binding protein associated with Ewing sarcoma, was identified as an interacting partner for the CUG-BP homologue in a two-hybrid assay for protein-protein interactions performed with various factors involved in RNA metabolism. Splicing assays performed by RT-PCR from cells cotransfected with certain cDNAs and an APP minigene, used as a reporter, indicate exclusion of exon 8 if the CUG-BP homologue is present. We conclude that clone AF169013 and its counterpart in human CUG-BP could be the trans-acting factors that interact with the splicing enhancer downstream of exon 8, and in this way influence alternative splicing of the APP minigene.

Evidence for substrate-specific requirement of the splicing factor U2AF(35) and for its function after polypyrimidine tract recognition by U2AF(65)

U2 snRNP auxiliary factor (U2AF) promotes U2 snRNP binding to pre-mRNAs and consists of two subunits of 65 and 35 kDa, U2AF(65) and U2AF(35). U2AF(65) binds to the polypyrimidine (Py) tract upstream from the 3' splice site and plays a key role in assisting U2 snRNP recruitment. It has been proposed that U2AF(35) facilitates U2AF(65) binding through a network of protein-protein interactions with other splicing factors, but the requirement and function of U2AF(35) remain controversial. Here we show that recombinant U2AF(65) is sufficient to activate the splicing of two constitutively spliced pre-mRNAs in extracts that were chromatographically depleted of U2AF. In contrast, U2AF(65), U2AF(35), and the interaction between them are required for splicing of an immunoglobulin micro; pre-RNA containing an intron with a weak Py tract and a purine-rich exonic splicing enhancer. Remarkably, splicing activation by U2AF(35) occurs without changes in U2AF(65) cross-linking to the Py tract. These results reveal substrate-specific requirements for U2AF(35) and a novel function for this factor in pre-mRNA splicing.

Identification of a bidirectional splicing enhancer: differential involvement of SR proteins in 5' or 3' splice site activation

The adenovirus E1A pre-mRNA undergoes alternative splicing whose modulation occurs during infection, through the use of three different 5' splice sites and of one major or one minor 3' splice site. Although this pre-mRNA has been extensively used as a model to compare the transactivation properties of SR proteins, no cis-acting element has been identified in the transcript sequence. Here we describe the identification and the characterization of a purine-rich splicing enhancer, located just upstream of the 12S 5' splice site, which is formed from two contiguous 9-nucleotide (nt) purine motifs (Pu1 and Pu2). We demonstrate that this sequence is a bidirectional splicing enhancer (BSE) in vivo and in vitro, because it activates both the downstream 12S 5' splice site through the Pu1 motif and the upstream 216-nt intervening sequence (IVS) 3' splice site through both motifs. UV cross-linking and immunoprecipitation experiments indicate that the BSE interacts with several SR proteins specifically, among them 9G8 and ASF/SF2, which bind preferentially to the Pu1 and Pu2 motifs, respectively. Interestingly, we show by in vitro complementation assays that SR proteins have distinct transactivatory properties. In particular, 9G8, but not ASF/SF2 or SC35, is able to strongly activate the recognition of the 12S 5' splice site in a BSE-dependent manner in wild-type E1A or in a heterologous context, whereas ASF/SF2 or SC35, but not 9G8, activates the upstream 216-nt IVS splicing. Thus, our results identify a novel exonic BSE and the SR proteins which are involved in its differential activity.