Specific G-quadruplex ligands modulate the alternative splicing of Bcl-X.

ABSTRACT: Sequences with the potential to form RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are common in mammalian introns, especially in the proximity of the 5' splice site (5'SS). However, the difficulty of demonstrating that G4s form in pre-mRNA in functional conditions has meant that little is known about their effects or mechanisms of action. We have shown previously that two G4s form in Bcl-X pre-mRNA, one close to each of the two alternative 5'SS. If these G4s affect splicing but are in competition with other RNA structures or RNA binding proteins, then ligands that stabilize them would increase the proportion of Bcl-X pre-mRNA molecules in which either or both G4s had formed, shifting Bcl-X splicing. We show here that a restricted set of G4 ligands do affect splicing, that their activity and specificity are st

SUBMITTER: Weldon C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5778605 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature