Alternative splicing, RNA-seq and drug discovery

Abstract

Alternative splicing, hereafter referred to as AS, is an essential component of gene expression regulation that contributes to the diversity of proteomes. Recent developments in RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technologies, combined with the advent of computational tools, have enabled transcriptome-wide studies of AS at an unprecedented scale and resolution. RNA mis-splicing can cause human disease, and to target alternative splicing has led to the development of novel therapeutics. Splice variants diversify the repertoire of biomarkers and functionally contribute to drug resistance. Our expanding knowledge of AS variation in human populations holds great promise for improving disease diagnoses and ultimately patient care in the era of sequencing and precision medicine.