RNA-editing-mediated exon evolution
2007
RNA Editing and the Evolution of New Exons
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Lev-Maor Galit, Sorek Rotem, Levanon Erez Y, Paz Nurit, Eisenberg Eli, Ast Gil
Primary Institution: Tel Aviv University
Hypothesis
Can RNA editing contribute to the creation of new exons in the human genome?
Conclusion
RNA editing can lead to the creation of new exons in the human genome.
Supporting Evidence
- RNA editing regulates the exonization of a primate-specific Alu-exon.
- The editing efficiency at specific sites was nearly 100% in all tested tissues.
- The study demonstrated that RNA editing can create functional splice sites.
Takeaway
RNA editing helps create new parts of genes in humans, which can change how proteins are made.
Methodology
The study used expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and cDNAs to identify internal human exons containing Alu elements and analyzed RNA editing in various tissues.
Limitations
The study only identified one reliable event of coding Alu-exon that seemed to be exonized through RNA editing, indicating that such events may be rare.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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