Exitron splicing of odor receptor genes in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: Proper expression of odor receptor genes is critical for the function of olfactory systems. In this study, we identified exitrons (exonic introns) in four of the 39 Odorant receptor (Or) genes expressed in the Drosophila antenna. Exitrons are sequences that can be spliced out from within a protein-coding exon, thereby altering the encoded protein. We focused on Or88a, which encodes a pheromone receptor, and found that exitron splicing of Or88a is conserved across five Drosophila species over 20 My of evolution. The exitron was spliced out in 15% of Or88a transcripts. Removal of this exitron creates a non-coding RNA rather than an RNA that encodes a stable protein. Our results suggest the hypothesis that in the case of Or88a, exitron s

SUBMITTER: Shang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10990081 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature