Functional characterization of SR and SR-related genes in Caenorhabditis elegans

Longman, D., Johnstone, I. L. and Cáceres, J. F. (2000) Functional characterization of SR and SR-related genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. EMBO Journal, 19(7), pp. 1625-1637. (doi: 10.1093/emboj/19.7.1625) (PMID:10747030) (PMCID:PMC310231)

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Abstract

The SR proteins constitute a family of nuclear phosphoproteins, which are required for constitutive splicing and also influence alternative splicing regulation. Initially, it was suggested that SR proteins were functionally redundant in constitutive splicing. However, differences have been observed in alternative splicing regulation, suggesting unique functions for individual SR proteins. Homology searches of the Caenorhabditis elegans genome identified seven genes encoding putative orthologues of the human factors SF2/ASF, SRp20, SC35, SRp40, SRp75 and p54, and also several SR-related genes. To address the issue of functional redundancy, we used dsRNA interference (RNAi) to inhibit specific SR protein function during C.elegans development. RNAi with CeSF2/ASF caused late embryonic lethality, suggesting that this gene has an essential function during C.elegans development. RNAi with other SR genes resulted in no obvious phenotype, which is indicative of gene redundancy. Simultaneous interference of two or more SR proteins in certain combinations caused lethality or other developmental defects. RNAi with CeSRPK, an SR protein kinase, resulted in early embryonic lethality, suggesting an essential role for SR protein phosphorylation during development.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Johnstone, Professor Iain
Authors: Longman, D., Johnstone, I. L., and Cáceres, J. F.
Subjects:Q Science > QH Natural history > QH426 Genetics
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
Journal Name:EMBO Journal
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:0261-4189
ISSN (Online):1460-2075

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