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Gonçalves M, Santos JI, Coutinho MF, Matos L, Alves S. Development of Engineered-U1 snRNA Therapies: Current Status. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14617. [PMID: 37834063 PMCID: PMC10572768 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Splicing of pre-mRNA is a crucial regulatory stage in the pathway of gene expression. The majority of human genes that encode proteins undergo alternative pre-mRNA splicing and mutations that affect splicing are more prevalent than previously thought. Targeting aberrant RNA(s) may thus provide an opportunity to correct faulty splicing and potentially treat numerous genetic disorders. To that purpose, the use of engineered U1 snRNA (either modified U1 snRNAs or exon-specific U1s-ExSpeU1s) has been applied as a potentially therapeutic strategy to correct splicing mutations, particularly those affecting the 5' splice-site (5'ss). Here we review and summarize a vast panoply of studies that used either modified U1 snRNAs or ExSpeU1s to mediate gene therapeutic correction of splicing defects underlying a considerable number of genetic diseases. We also focus on the pre-clinical validation of these therapeutic approaches both in vitro and in vivo, and summarize the main obstacles that need to be overcome to allow for their successful translation to clinic practice in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Gonçalves
- Research and Development Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, INSA I.P., Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.G.); (J.I.S.); (M.F.C.); (L.M.)
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agro-Environment, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AL4AnimalS, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Juliana Inês Santos
- Research and Development Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, INSA I.P., Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.G.); (J.I.S.); (M.F.C.); (L.M.)
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agro-Environment, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AL4AnimalS, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Francisca Coutinho
- Research and Development Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, INSA I.P., Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.G.); (J.I.S.); (M.F.C.); (L.M.)
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agro-Environment, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AL4AnimalS, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Liliana Matos
- Research and Development Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, INSA I.P., Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.G.); (J.I.S.); (M.F.C.); (L.M.)
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agro-Environment, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AL4AnimalS, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra Alves
- Research and Development Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, INSA I.P., Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.G.); (J.I.S.); (M.F.C.); (L.M.)
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agro-Environment, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AL4AnimalS, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Abstract
Mutations affecting constitutive splice donor sites (5'ss) are among the most frequent genetic defects that disrupt the normal splicing process. Pre-mRNA splicing requires the correct identification of a number of cis-acting elements in an ordered fashion. By disrupting the complementarity of the 5'ss with the endogenous small nuclear RNA U1 (U1 snRNA), the key component of the spliceosomal U1 ribonucleoprotein, 5'ss mutations may result in exon skipping, intron retention or activation of cryptic splice sites. Engineered modification of the U1 snRNA seemed to be a logical method to overcome the effect of those mutations. In fact, over the last years, a number of in vitro studies on the use of those modified U1 snRNAs to correct a variety of splicing defects have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach. Furthermore, recent reports on its applicability in vivo are adding up to the principle that engineered modification of U1 snRNAs represents a valuable approach and prompting further studies to demonstrate the clinical translatability of this strategy.Here, we outline the design and generation of U1 snRNAs with different degrees of complementarity to mutated 5'ss. Using the HGSNAT gene as an example, we describe the methods for a proper evaluation of their efficacy in vitro, taking advantage of our experience to share a number of tips on how to design U1 snRNA molecules for splicing rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Matos
- Department of Human Genetics, Research and Development Unit, National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Science (CECA) - Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agroenvironment (ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana I Santos
- Department of Human Genetics, Research and Development Unit, National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mª Francisca Coutinho
- Department of Human Genetics, Research and Development Unit, National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Science (CECA) - Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agroenvironment (ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Alves
- Department of Human Genetics, Research and Development Unit, National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.
- Center for the Study of Animal Science (CECA) - Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agroenvironment (ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Artemyeva-Isman OV, Porter ACG. U5 snRNA Interactions With Exons Ensure Splicing Precision. Front Genet 2021; 12:676971. [PMID: 34276781 PMCID: PMC8283771 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.676971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Imperfect conservation of human pre-mRNA splice sites is necessary to produce alternative isoforms. This flexibility is combined with the precision of the message reading frame. Apart from intron-termini GU_AG and the branchpoint A, the most conserved are the exon-end guanine and +5G of the intron start. Association between these guanines cannot be explained solely by base-pairing with U1 snRNA in the early spliceosome complex. U6 succeeds U1 and pairs +5G in the pre-catalytic spliceosome, while U5 binds the exon end. Current U5 snRNA reconstructions by CryoEM cannot explain the conservation of the exon-end G. Conversely, human mutation analyses show that guanines of both exon termini can suppress splicing mutations. Our U5 hypothesis explains the mechanism of splicing precision and the role of these conserved guanines in the pre-catalytic spliceosome. We propose: (1) optimal binding register for human exons and U5-the exon junction positioned at U5Loop1 C39|C38; (2) common mechanism for base-pairing of human U5 snRNA with diverse exons and bacterial Ll.LtrB intron with new loci in retrotransposition-guided by base pair geometry; and (3) U5 plays a significant role in specific exon recognition in the pre-catalytic spliceosome. Statistical analyses showed increased U5 Watson-Crick pairs with the 5'exon in the absence of +5G at the intron start. In 5'exon positions -3 and -5, this effect is specific to U5 snRNA rather than U1 snRNA of the early spliceosome. Increased U5 Watson-Crick pairs with 3'exon position +1 coincide with substitutions of the conserved -3C at the intron 3'end. Based on mutation and X-ray evidence, we propose that -3C pairs with U2 G31 juxtaposing the branchpoint and the 3'intron end. The intron-termini pair, formed in the pre-catalytic spliceosome to be ready for transition after branching, and the early involvement of the 3'intron end ensure that the 3'exon contacts U5 in the pre-catalytic complex. We suggest that splicing precision is safeguarded cooperatively by U5, U6, and U2 snRNAs that stabilize the pre-catalytic complex by Watson-Crick base pairing. In addition, our new U5 model explains the splicing effect of exon-start +1G mutations: U5 Watson-Crick pairs with exon +2C/+3G strongly promote exon inclusion. We discuss potential applications for snRNA therapeutics and gene repair by reverse splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Artemyeva-Isman
- Gene Targeting Group, Centre for Haematology, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew C G Porter
- Gene Targeting Group, Centre for Haematology, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Murillo-Cuesta S, Artuch R, Asensio F, de la Villa P, Dierssen M, Enríquez JA, Fillat C, Fourcade S, Ibáñez B, Montoliu L, Oliver E, Pujol A, Salido E, Vallejo M, Varela-Nieto I. The Value of Mouse Models of Rare Diseases: A Spanish Experience. Front Genet 2020; 11:583932. [PMID: 33173540 PMCID: PMC7591746 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.583932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are invaluable for biomedical research, especially in the context of rare diseases, which have a very low prevalence and are often complex. Concretely mouse models provide key information on rare disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies that cannot be obtained by using only alternative methods, and greatly contribute to accelerate the development of new therapeutic options for rare diseases. Despite this, the use of experimental animals remains controversial. The combination of respectful management, ethical laws and transparency regarding animal experimentation contributes to improve society’s opinion about biomedical research and positively impacts on research quality, which eventually also benefits patients. Here we present examples of current advances in preclinical research in rare diseases using mouse models, together with our perspective on future directions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Murillo-Cuesta
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (IIBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Artuch
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Asensio
- Gregorio Marañón Institute for Health Research (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro de la Villa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcalá (UAH), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Enríquez
- Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center on Frailty and Healthy Ageing (CIBERFES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Fillat
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stéphane Fourcade
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Borja Ibáñez
- Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiology Department, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital Health Research Institute (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lluis Montoliu
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,National Center for Biotechnology (CNB), Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Oliver
- Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aurora Pujol
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Salido
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas (ITB), La Laguna, Spain
| | - Mario Vallejo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (IIBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center on Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Varela-Nieto
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (IIBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
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5
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Olthof AM, Rasmussen JS, Campeau PM, Kanadia RN. Disrupted minor intron splicing is prevalent in Mendelian disorders. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1374. [PMID: 32573973 PMCID: PMC7507305 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Splicing is crucial for proper gene expression, and is predominately executed by the major spliceosome. Conversely, 722 introns in 699 human minor intron‐containing genes (MIGs) are spliced by the minor spliceosome. Splicing of these minor introns is disrupted in diseases caused by pathogenic variants in the minor spliceosome, ultimately leading to the aberrant expression of a subset of these MIGs. However, the effect of variants in minor introns and MIGs on diseases remains unexplored. Methods Variants in MIGs and associated clinical manifestations were identified using ClinVar. The HPO database was then used to curate the related symptoms and affected organ systems. Results: We found pathogenic variants in 211 MIGs, which commonly resulted in intellectual disability, seizures and microcephaly. This revealed a subset of MIGs whose aberrant splicing may contribute to the pathogenesis of minor spliceosome‐related diseases. Moreover, we identified 51 pathogenic variants in minor intron splice sites that reduce the splice site strength and can induce alternative splicing. Conclusion These findings highlight that disrupted minor intron splicing has a broader impact on human diseases than previously appreciated. The hope is that this knowledge will aid in the development of therapeutic strategies that incorporate the minor intron splicing pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk M Olthof
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Rasmussen
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | | | - Rahul N Kanadia
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Yanaizu M, Sakai K, Tosaki Y, Kino Y, Satoh JI. Small nuclear RNA-mediated modulation of splicing reveals a therapeutic strategy for a TREM2 mutation and its post-transcriptional regulation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6937. [PMID: 29720600 PMCID: PMC5931963 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in TREM2 cause Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD), a rare genetic disease characterized by early-onset dementia with leukoencephalopathy and bone cysts. An NHD-associated mutation, c.482 + 2 T > C, disrupts the splice donor site of intron 3 and causes aberrant skipping of exon 3, resulting in the loss of full-length TREM2 protein. Here, we examined the efficacy of artificial U1 and U7 small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) designed to enhance exon 3 inclusion. Using mutant TREM2 minigenes, we found that some modified U1, but not U7, snRNAs enhanced exon 3 inclusion and restored TREM2 protein expression. Unexpectedly, we found that exon 3 of wild-type TREM2 is an alternative exon, whose skipping leads to reduced expression of the full-length protein. Indeed, TREM2 protein levels were modulated by modified snRNAs that either promoted or repressed exon 3 inclusion. The splice donor site flanking exon 3 was predicted to be weak, which may explain both the alternative splicing of exon 3 under normal conditions and complete exon skipping when the c.482 + 2 T > C mutation was present. Collectively, our snRNA-based approaches provide a potential therapeutic strategy for NHD-associated mis-splicing and novel insights into the post-transcriptional regulation of TREM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoaki Yanaizu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakai
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan
| | - Youhei Tosaki
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kino
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan.
| | - Jun-Ichi Satoh
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan
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Kremer LS, Wortmann SB, Prokisch H. "Transcriptomics": molecular diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism via RNA-sequencing. J Inherit Metab Dis 2018; 41:525-532. [PMID: 29372369 PMCID: PMC5959960 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-017-0133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Exome wide sequencing techniques have revolutionized molecular diagnostics in patients with suspected inborn errors of metabolism or neuromuscular disorders. However, the diagnostic yield of 25-60% still leaves a large fraction of individuals without a diagnosis. This indicates a causative role for non-exonic regulatory variants not covered by whole exome sequencing. Here we review how systematic RNA-sequencing analysis (RNA-seq, "transcriptomics") lead to a molecular diagnosis in 10-35% of patients in whom whole exome sequencing failed to do so. Importantly, RNA-sequencing based discoveries cannot only guide molecular diagnosis but might also unravel therapeutic intervention points such as antisense oligonucleotide treatment for splicing defects as recently reported for spinal muscular atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Kremer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München, Trogerstrasse 32, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Saskia B Wortmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Holger Prokisch
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München, Trogerstrasse 32, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
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Suñé-Pou M, Prieto-Sánchez S, Boyero-Corral S, Moreno-Castro C, El Yousfi Y, Suñé-Negre JM, Hernández-Munain C, Suñé C. Targeting Splicing in the Treatment of Human Disease. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8030087. [PMID: 28245575 PMCID: PMC5368691 DOI: 10.3390/genes8030087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tightly regulated process of precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) alternative splicing (AS) is a key mechanism in the regulation of gene expression. Defects in this regulatory process affect cellular functions and are the cause of many human diseases. Recent advances in our understanding of splicing regulation have led to the development of new tools for manipulating splicing for therapeutic purposes. Several tools, including antisense oligonucleotides and trans-splicing, have been developed to target and alter splicing to correct misregulated gene expression or to modulate transcript isoform levels. At present, deregulated AS is recognized as an important area for therapeutic intervention. Here, we summarize the major hallmarks of the splicing process, the clinical implications that arise from alterations in this process, and the current tools that can be used to deliver, target, and correct deficiencies of this key pre-mRNA processing event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Suñé-Pou
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
- Drug Development Service, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, s/n 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Silvia Prieto-Sánchez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
| | - Sofía Boyero-Corral
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
| | - Cristina Moreno-Castro
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
| | - Younes El Yousfi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
| | - Josep Mª Suñé-Negre
- Drug Development Service, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, s/n 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Hernández-Munain
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
| | - Carlos Suñé
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
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