Developmental Role of Transcription Factor Isoforms Generated by Alternative Splicing

Author: Lopez A.J.  

Publisher: Academic Press

ISSN: 0012-1606

Source: Developmental Biology, Vol.172, Iss.2, 1995-12, pp. : 396-411

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

The production of transcription factor isoforms by developmentally regulated alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs is a widespread phenomenon. Frequently, differences in biochemical function among the isoforms can be predicted from sequence analysis, and in many instances such differences have been demonstrated in vitro or in cultured cells. A great variety of strategies for functional diversification can be classified into three main types: modulation of DNA binding specificity or affinity, production of activators and antagonists from the same gene, and modulation of dimerization properties. Despite obvious implications in many cases, the actual developmental consequences are understood only in a few instances. The roles inferred from these examples are diverse, ranging from developmental switches that have profound effects on pathways of differentiation to mechanisms that may optimize or fine-tune transcription factor function in different contexts.