Boric acid reversibly inhibits the second step of pre-mRNA splicing

FEBS Lett. 2003 Sep 25;552(2-3):219-24. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(03)00928-1.

Abstract

Several approaches have been used to identify the factors involved in mRNA splicing. None of them, however, comprises a straightforward reversible method for inhibiting the second step of splicing using an external reagent other than a chelator. This investigation demonstrates that the addition of boric acid to an in vitro pre-mRNA splicing reaction causes a dose-dependent reversible inhibition effect on the second step of splicing. The mechanism of action does not involve chelation of several metal ions; hindrance of 3' splice-site; or binding to hSlu7. This study presents a novel method for specific reversible inhibition of the second step of pre-mRNA splicing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Boric Acids / pharmacology*
  • Boronic Acids / chemistry
  • Boronic Acids / pharmacology
  • Globins / genetics
  • Globins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Kinetics
  • Metals / metabolism
  • RNA Precursors / genetics*
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism*
  • RNA Splicing / drug effects*
  • RNA Splicing Factors
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear / genetics
  • Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear / metabolism
  • Spliceosomes / drug effects
  • Spliceosomes / metabolism

Substances

  • Boric Acids
  • Boronic Acids
  • Metals
  • RNA Precursors
  • RNA Splicing Factors
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear
  • SLU7 protein, human
  • Globins
  • boric acid