High frequency of alternative first exons in erythroid genes suggests a critical role in regulating gene function.

ABSTRACT: The human genome uses alternative pre-mRNA splicing as an important mechanism to encode a complex proteome from a relatively small number of genes. An unknown number of these genes also possess multiple transcriptional promoters and alternative first exons that contribute another layer of complexity to gene expression mechanisms. Using a collection of more than 100 erythroid-expressed genes as a test group, we used genome browser tools and genetic databases to assess the frequency of alternative first exons in the genome. Remarkably, 35% of these erythroid genes show evidence of alternative first exons. The majority of the candidate first exons are situated upstream of the coding exons, whereas a few are located internally within the gene. Computational analyses predict transcriptional pro

SUBMITTER: Tan JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1895744 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature