Functional roles of DExD/H-box RNA helicases in Pre-mRNA splicing

J Biomed Sci. 2015 Jul 16;22(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s12929-015-0161-z.

Abstract

Splicing of precursor mRNA takes place via two consecutive steps of transesterification catalyzed by a large ribonucleoprotein complex called the spliceosome. The spliceosome is assembled through ordered binding to the pre-mRNA of five small nuclear RNAs and numerous protein factors, and is disassembled after completion of the reaction to recycle all components. Throughout the splicing cycle, the spliceosome changes its structure, rearranging RNA-RNA, RNA-protein and protein-protein interactions, for positioning and repositioning of splice sites. DExD/H-box RNA helicases play important roles in mediating structural changes of the spliceosome by unwinding of RNA duplexes or disrupting RNA-protein interactions. DExD/H-box proteins are also implicated in the fidelity control of the splicing process at various steps. This review summarizes the functional roles of DExD/H-box proteins in pre-mRNA splicing according to studies conducted mostly in yeast and will discuss the concept of the complicated splicing reaction based on recent findings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • RNA Helicases / genetics*
  • RNA Precursors / genetics*
  • RNA Splicing / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Spliceosomes / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA Precursors
  • RNA Helicases