Identification of Nuclear and Cytoplasmic mRNA Targets for the Shuttling Protein SF2/ASF
2008

Identifying mRNA Targets for the Protein SF2/ASF

Sample size: 180 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sanford Jeremy R., Coutinho Pedro, Hackett Jamie A., Wang Xin, Ranahan William, Caceres Javier F.

Primary Institution: MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Hypothesis

SF2/ASF may couple splicing and translation of specific mRNA targets in vivo.

Conclusion

SF2/ASF can co-regulate the nuclear and cytoplasmic processing of specific mRNAs.

Supporting Evidence

  • SF2/ASF was found to bind to 326 sites in mRNAs from 180 protein coding genes.
  • A purine-rich consensus motif was identified in binding sites located within exon sequences.
  • SF2/ASF regulates the splicing and polysome association of transcripts from several genes.
  • SF2/ASF remains associated with specific transcripts as they move from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

Takeaway

The study found that a protein called SF2/ASF helps control how certain messages in our cells are made and used, like a traffic cop for information.

Methodology

The study used Cross-Linking Immunoprecipitation (CLIP) to identify mRNA targets of SF2/ASF in different cellular compartments.

Limitations

The study's findings may not represent all possible RNA targets due to the inefficiency of the sequencing method used.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003369

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