Long non-coding RNAs and splicing

Essays Biochem. 2021 Oct 27;65(4):723-729. doi: 10.1042/EBC20200087.

Abstract

In this review I focus on the role of splicing in long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) life. First, I summarize differences between the splicing efficiency of protein-coding genes and lncRNAs and discuss why non-coding RNAs are spliced less efficiently. In the second half of the review, I speculate why splice sites are the most conserved sequences in lncRNAs and what additional roles could splicing play in lncRNA metabolism. I discuss the hypothesis that the splicing machinery can, besides its dominant role in intron removal and exon joining, protect cells from undesired transcripts.

Keywords: SR proteins; large intervening non-coding RNA; snRNP; spliceosomes; splicing.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • RNA Splicing
  • RNA, Long Noncoding* / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Long Noncoding