Requirement of a polypyrimidine tract for trans-splicing in trypanosomes: discriminating the PARP promoter from the immediately adjacent 3'' splice acceptor site.

We studied sequence requirements for trans-splicing at the 3' splice acceptor site of a procyclic acidic repetitive protein (PARP) coding gene in trypanosomes. In transient CAT transfection assays with linker scanning (LS) mutants in a PARP promoter--3' splice acceptor site--CAT construct, minor differences in the sequence composition of the polypyrimidine tract (nt -36 to -5 with respect to the 3' splice acceptor site) severely affected the CAT activity. Analysis of steady-state CAT RNA in stably transformed trypanosomes revealed that the LS mutations had indeed affected the pre-mRNA splicing efficiency. The data indicate that mini-exon addition is not required simply for maturation of polycistronic pre-mRNA but is also essential for the generation of functional mRNA from monocistronic genes, since unspliced monocistronic pre-mRNA did not accumulate or allow synthesis of CAT. We postulate that mini-exon addition at polycistronically transcribed genes, which can have drastically different polypyrimidine tracts at each of their 3' splice acceptor sites, can occur with different efficiencies for each gene of the array thus affecting mRNA abundance.     

Both the polypyrimidine tract and the 3' splice site function prior to the first step of splicing in fission yeast.

While it is known that several trans -acting splicing factors are highly conserved between Schizosaccharomyces pombe and mammals, the roles of cis -acting signals have received comparatively little attention. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, sequences downstream from the branch point are not required prior to the first transesterification reaction, whereas in mammals the polypyrimidine tract and, in some introns, the 3' AG dinucleotide are critical for initial recognition of an intron. We have investigated the contribution of these two sequence elements to splicing in S.pombe. To determine the stage at which the polypyrimidine tract functions, we analyzed the second intron of the cdc2 gene (cdc 2-Int2), in which pyrimidines span the entire interval between the branch point and 3' splice site. Our data indicate that substitution of a polypurine tract results in accumulation of linear pre-mRNA, while expanding the polypyrimidine tract enhances splicing efficiency, as in mammals. To examine the role of the AG dinucleotide in cdc 2-Int2 splicing, we mutated the 3' splice junction in both the wild-type and pyrimidine tract variant RNAs. These changes block the first transesterification reaction, as in a subset of mammalian introns. However, in contrast to the situation in mammals, we were unable to rescue the first step of splicing in a 3' splice site mutant by expanding the polypyrimidine tract. Mutating the terminal G in the third intron of the nda 3 gene (nda 3-Int3) also blocks the first transesterification reaction, suggesting that early recognition of the 3' splice site is a general property of fission yeast introns. Counter to earlier work with an artificial intron, it is not possible to restore the first step of splicing in cdc 2-Int2 and nda 3-Int3 3' splice site mutants by introducing compensatory changes in U1 snRNA. These results highlight the diversity and probable redundancy of mechanisms for identifying the 3' ends of introns.     

Efficient excision of the upstream large intron from P4-generated pre-mRNA of the parvovirus minute virus of mice requires at least one donor and the 3' splice site of the small downstream intron.

We have previously shown that efficient excision of the upstream large intron from P4-generated pre-mRNA of the autonomous parvovirus minute virus of mice depends upon at least the initial presence of sequences within the downstream small intron (Q. Zhao, R. V. Schoborg, and D. J. Pintel, J. Virol. 68:2849-2859, 1994). In this report, we show that the requirement of downstream small intron sequences is complex and that efficient excision of the upstream intron requires at least one small intron donor and the 3' splice site. In the absence of both small intron donors, a new spliced product is produced in which the intervening exon is skipped and the large intron donor at nucleotide 514 is joined to a small intron acceptor. Exon skipping caused by the loss of the two small intron donors can be overcome, and the excision of the large intron can be regained by mutations that improve the large intron polypyrimidine tract. These results are consistent with a model in which the binding of multiple splicing factors that assemble at both a downstream donor and acceptor facilitates the binding of splicing factors to the weak polypyrimidine tract of the upstream large intron, thereby defining the intervening exon and promoting excision of the upstream intron.     

Mutually exclusive splicing of alpha-tropomyosin exons enforced by an unusual lariat branch point location: implications for constitutive splicing

Alternative splicing of alpha-tropomyosin pre-mRNA involves mutually exclusive utilization of exons 2 and 3, exon 3 being preferentially selected in most cells. This mutually exclusive behavior is enforced by absolute incompatibility between the adjacent splice sites of the two exons, due to close proximity of the exon 3 branch point to exon 2. The branch point, with an associated polypyrimidine tract, is in an unusual location, 177 nt upstream of the acceptor, only 42 nt from the exon 2 splice donor site. Splicing of exon 2 to 3 is consequently blocked prior to formation of an active spliceosome complex. This block to splicing can be relieved by insertion of spacer elements that increase the donor site-branch point separation to 51-59 nt. The unconventional relative location of the constitutive cis splicing elements therefore provides a simple mechanistic basis for strict mutually exclusive splicing. These results not only demonstrate that the branch point is not specified by proximity to the splice acceptor site, but rather suggest that it is the acceptor site which is specified relative to the branch point.     

A conditional role of U2AF in splicing of introns with unconventional polypyrimidine tracts

Recognition of polypyrimidine (Py) tracts typically present between the branch point and the 3' splice site by the large subunit of the essential splicing factor U2AF is a key early step in pre-mRNA splicing. Diverse intronic sequence arrangements exist, however, including 3' splice sites lacking recognizable Py tracts, which raises the question of how general the requirement for U2AF is for various intron architectures. Our analysis of fission yeast introns in vivo has unexpectedly revealed that whereas introns lacking Py tracts altogether remain dependent on both subunits of U2AF, introns with long Py tracts, unconventionally positioned upstream of branch points, are unaffected by U2AF inactivation. Nevertheless, mutation of these Py tracts causes strong dependence on the large subunit U2AF59. We also find that Py tract diversity influences the requirement for the conserved C-terminal domain of U2AF59 (RNA recognition motif 3), which has been implicated in protein-protein interactions with other splicing factors. Together, these results suggest that in addition to Py tract binding by U2AF, supplementary mechanisms of U2AF recruitment and 3' splice site identification exist to accommodate diverse intron architectures, which have gone unappreciated in biochemical studies of model pre-mRNAs.     

A T to G mutation in the polypyrimidine tract of the second intron of the human beta-globin gene reduces in vitro splicing efficiency: evidence for an increased hnRNP C interaction.

In a patient with a beta-thalassemia intermedia, a mutation was identified in the second intron of the human beta-globin gene. The U-->G mutation is located within the polypyrimidine tract at position -8 upstream of the 3' splice site. In vivo, this mutation leads to decreased levels of the hemoglobin protein. Because of the location of the mutation and the role of the polypyrimidine tract in the splicing process, we performed in vitro splicing assays on the pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA). We found that the splicing efficiency of the mutant pre-mRNA is reduced compared to the wild type and that no cryptic splice sites are activated. Analysis of splicing complex formation shows that the U-->G mutation affects predominantly the progression of the H complex towards the pre-spliceosome complex. By cross-linking and immunoprecipitation assays, we show that the hnRNP C protein interacts more efficiently with the mutant precursor than with the wild-type. This stronger interaction could play a role, directly or indirectly, in the decreased splicing efficiency.     

Mutational analysis of the U12-dependent branch site consensus sequence

Highly conserved sequences at the 5′ splice site and branch site of U12-dependent introns are important determinants for splicing by U12-dependent spliceosomes. This study investigates the in vivo splicing phenotypes of mutations in the branch site consensus sequence of the U12-dependent intron F from a human NOL1 (P120) minigene. Intron F contains a fully consensus branch site sequence (UUCCUUAAC). Mutations at each position were analyzed for their effects on U12-dependent splicing in vivo. Mutations at most positions resulted in a significant reduction of correct U12-dependent splicing. Defects observed included increased unspliced RNA levels, the activation of cryptic U2-dependent 5′ and 3′ splice sites, and the activation of cryptic U12-dependent branch/3′ splice sites. A strong correlation was observed between the predicted thermodynamic stability of the branch site: U12 snRNA interaction and correct U12-dependent splicing. The lack of a polypyrimidine tract between the branch site and 3′ splice site of U12-dependent introns and the observed reliance on base-pairing interactions for correct U12-dependent splicing emphasize the importance of RNA/RNA interactions during U12-dependent intron recognition and proper splice site selection.     

Characterization of a U2AF-independent commitment complex (E') in the mammalian spliceosome assembly pathway

Early recognition of pre-mRNA during spliceosome assembly in mammals proceeds through the association of U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) with the 5' splice site as well as the interactions of the branch binding protein SF1 with the branch region and the U2 snRNP auxiliary factor U2AF with the polypyrimidine tract and 3' splice site. These factors, along with members of the SR protein family, direct the ATP-independent formation of the early (E) complex that commits the pre-mRNA to splicing. We report here the observation in U2AF-depleted HeLa nuclear extract of a distinct, ATP-independent complex designated E' which can be chased into E complex and itself commits a pre-mRNA to the splicing pathway. The E' complex is characterized by a U1 snRNA-5' splice site base pairing, which follows the actual commitment step, an interaction of SF1 with the branch region, and a close association of the 5' splice site with the branch region. These results demonstrate that both commitment to splicing and the early proximity of conserved sequences within pre-mRNA substrates can occur in a minimal complex lacking U2AF, which may function as a precursor to E complex in spliceosome assembly.     

Different effects of intron nucleotide composition and secondary structure on pre-mRNA splicing in monocot and dicot plants.

We have found previously that the sequences important for recognition of pre-mRNA introns in dicot plants differ from those in the introns of vertebrates and yeast. Neither a conserved branch point nor a polypyrimidine tract, found in yeast and vertebrate introns respectively, are required. Instead, AU-rich sequences, a characteristic feature of dicot plant introns, are essential. Here we show that splicing in protoplasts of maize, a monocot, differs significantly from splicing in a dicot, Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. As in the case of dicots, a conserved branch point and a polypyrimidine tract are not required for intron processing in maize. However, unlike in dicots, AU-rich sequences are not essential, although their presence facilitates splicing if the splice site sequences are not optimal. The lack of an absolute requirement for AU-rich stretches in monocot introns in reflected in the occurrence of GC-rich introns in monocots but not in dicots. We also show that maize protoplasts are able to process a mammalian intron and short introns containing stem--loops, neither of which are spliced in N.plumbaginifolia protoplasts. The ability of maize, but not of N.plumbaginifolia to process stem--loop-containing or GC-rich introns suggests that one of the functions of AU-rich sequences during splicing of dicot plant pre-mRNAs may be to minimize secondary structure within the intron.     

Molecular consequences of specific intron mutations on yeast mRNA splicing in vivo and in vitro

We have altered the TACTAAC sequence in the yeast CYH2m gene intron to TACTACC. This mutation changes the nucleotide at the normal position of the branch in intron RNA lariats produced during pre-mRNA splicing, and it prevents splicing in vivo. In a yeast pre-mRNA splicing system, CYH2m pre-mRNA carrying the TACTACC mutation is not specifically cut or rearranged in any way. Substitution of an A for the first G of the CYH2m intron, converting the highly conserved GTATGT 5' splice site sequence to ATATGT, also blocks intron excision in vivo and in vitro: pre-mRNA carrying this mutation was still cut normally at the mutant 5' splice site in vitro, to give authentic exon 1 and an intron-exon 2 lariat RNA with an A-A 2'-5' phosphodiester linkage at the branch point. This lariat RNA is a dead-end product. The subsequent cleavage at the 3' splice site is therefore sensitive to the sequence of the 5' end of the intron attached at the branch point.     

Alternative splicing and bioinformatic analysis of human U12-type introns

U12-type introns exist, albeit rarely, in a variety of multicellular organisms. Splicing of U12 intron-containing precursor mRNAs takes place in the U12-type spliceosome that is distinct from the major U2-type spliceosome. Due to incompatibility of these two spliceosomes, alternative splicing involving a U12-type intron may give rise to a relatively complicated impact on gene expression. We studied alternative U12-type intron splicing in an attempt to gain more mechanistic insights. First, we characterized mutually exclusive exon selection of the human JNK2 gene, which involves an unusual intron possessing the U12-type 5′ splice site and the U2-type 3′ splice site. We demonstrated that the long and evolutionary conserved polypyrimidine tract of this hybrid intron provides important signals for inclusion of its downstream alternative exon. In addition, we examined the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human WDFY1 U12-type intron on pre-mRNA splicing. These results provide mechanistic implications on splice-site selection of U12-type intron splicing. We finally discuss the potential effects of splicing of a U12-type intron with genetic defects or within a set of genes encoding RNA processing factors on global gene expression.     

Functional analysis of the polypyrimidine tract in pre-mRNA splicing.

The polypyrimidine tract is one of the important cis-acting sequence elements directing intron removal in pre-mRNA splicing. Progressive deletions of the polypyrimidine tract have been found to abolish correct lariat formation, spliceosome assembly and splicing. In addition, the polypyrimidine tract can alter 3'-splice site selection by promoting alternative branch site selection. However, there appears to be great flexibility in the specific sequence of a given tract. Not only the optimal composition of the polypyrimidine tract, but also the role of the tract in introns with no apparent polypyrimidine tracts or where changes in the tract are apparently harmless are uncertain. Accordingly, we have designed a series of cis-competition splicing constructs to test the functional competitive efficiency of a variety of systematically mutated polypyrimidine tracts. An RT/PCR assay was used to detect spliced product formation as a result of differential branch point selection dependent on direct competition between two opposing polypyrimidine tracts. We found that pyrimidine tracts containing 11 continuous uridines are the strongest pyrimidine tracts. In such cases, the position of the uridine stretch between the branch point and 3'-splice site AG is unimportant. In contrast, decreasing the continuous uridine stretch to five or six residues requires that the tract be located immediately adjacent to the AG for optimal competitive efficiency. The block to splicing with decreasing polypyrimidine tract strength is primarily prior to the first step of splicing. While lengthy continuous uridine tracts are the most competitive, tracts with decreased numbers of consecutive uridines and even tracts with alternating purine/pyrimidine residues can still function to promote branch point selection, but are far less effective competitors in 3'-splice site selection assays.     

Unusual deep intronic mutations in the COL4A5 gene cause X linked Alport syndrome

The X-linked form of Alport syndrome is caused by mutations in the COL4A5 gene in Xq22. This large multiexonic gene has, in the past, been difficult to screen, with several studies detecting only about 50% of mutations. We report three novel intronic mutations that may, in part, explain this poor success rate and demonstrate that single base changes deep within introns can, and do, cause disease: one mutation creates a new donor splice site within an intron resulting in the inclusion of a novel in-frame cryptic exon; a second mutation results in a new exon splice enhancer sequence (ESE) that promotes splicing of a cryptic exon containing a stop codon; a third patient exhibits exon skipping as a result of a base substitution within the polypyrimidine tract that precedes the acceptor splice site. All three cases would have been missed using an exon-by-exon DNA screening approach.     

In vivo commitment to splicing in yeast involves the nucleotide upstream from the branch site conserved sequence and the Mud2 protein.

Pre-mRNA splicing is a stepwise nuclear process involving intron recognition and the assembly of the spliceosome followed by intron excision. We previously developed a pre-mRNA export assay that allows the discrimination between early steps of spliceosome formation and splicing per se. Here we present evidence that these two assays detect different biochemical defects for point mutations. Mutations at the 5' splice site lead to pre-mRNA export, whereas 3' splice site mutations do not. A genetic screen applied to mutants in the branch site region shows that all positions in the conserved TACTAAC sequence are important for intron recognition. An exhaustive analysis of pre-mRNA export and splicing defects of these mutants shows that the in vivo recognition of the branch site region does not involve the base pairing of U2 snRNA with the pre-mRNA. In addition, the nucleotide preceding the conserved TACTAAC sequence contributes to the recognition process. We show that a T residue at this position allows for optimal intron recognition and that in natural introns, this nucleotide is also used preferentially. Moreover, the Mud2 protein is involved in the recognition of this nucleotide, thus establishing a role for this factor in the in vivo splicing pathway.     

The Drosophila SR protein RBP1 contributes to the regulation of doublesex alternative splicing by recognizing RBP1 RNA target sequences.

The SR proteins represent a family of splicing factors several of which have been implicated in the regulation of sex-specific alternative splicing of doublesex (dsx) pre-mRNA in Drosophila. The dsx gene is involved in Drosophila sex determination. We have identified two RNA target sequence motifs recognized by the SR protein RBP1 from Drosophila using an in vitro selection approach. Several copies of these RBP1 target sequences were found within two regions of the dsx pre-mRNA which are important for the regulation of dsx alternative splicing, the repeat region and the purine-rich polypyrimidine tract of the regulated female-specific 3' splice site. We show that RBP1 target sequences within the dsx repeat region are required for the efficient splicing of dsx pre-mRNA. Moreover, our studies reveal that RBP1 contributes to the activation of female-specific dsx splicing in vivo by recognizing the RBP1 target sequences within the purine-rich polypyrimidine tract of the female-specific 3' splice site.     

A 62,000 molecular weight spliceosome protein crosslinks to the intron polypyrimidine tract

Incubation in HeLa nuclear extract of a 32P-labeled 61 nucleotide-long RNA corresponding to the lariat branch site/polypyrimidine tract/3' splice site of the first intron of human beta-globin pre-mRNA led to the crosslinking of a single protein of approximately 62,000 mol. wt. (p62). p62 corresponds to a polypyrimidine tract-binding protein recently described by Garcia-Blanco et al. (Genes & Dev. 3: 1874-1886, 1989). Crosslinking of p62 to the 61 nt RNA was highly sequence specific. No p62 crosslinking was observed with a 60 nt pGEM vector RNA, a 63 nt RNA antisense to the 61-mer or a 72 nt U2 RNA sequence. p62 crosslinking to the 61 nt RNA was competed by unlabeled 61 nt RNA, by beta-globin pre-mRNA containing intron 1, and by poly(U) and poly(C), but was competed to a lesser extent or not at all by pGEM RNA, a beta-globin RNA lacking intron 1, or poly(A). Experiments with mutated RNAs revealed that neither the lariat branch site adenosine nor the 3' splice site were required for p62 crosslinking to polypyrimidine tract-containing RNA. Elimination of the polypyrimidine tract reduced p62 crosslinking, as did mutation of a polypyrimidine tract UU dinucleotide to GA. However, replacement of a pyrimidine-rich tract immediately adjacent (3') to the lariat branch site with a 57% A + G pGEM vector RNA sequence also significantly reduced p62 crosslinking, indicating the involvement of both this pyrimidine-rich region and the classical polypyrimidine tract adjacent to the 3' splice site. The sites of protein interaction were further defined by RNase H protection experiments, the results of which confirmed the patterns of p62 crosslinking to mutant RNAs. p62 crosslinking was efficiently competed by a DNA oligonucleotide having the same sequence as the 61 nt RNA, showing that p62 requires neither ribose 2' OH groups nor uracil bases for its interaction with the polypyrimidine tract. p62 was not crosslinked to double-stranded 61 nt RNA. Q-Sepharose chromatography of HeLa nuclear extract yielded an unbound fraction (QU) in which p62 was the only polypyrimidine tract-crosslinkable protein and a bound fraction (QB) in which, surprisingly, several non-p62 proteins were crosslinkable to the polypyrimidine tract RNA. Yet, when the two Q-Sepharose fractions were combined, p62 strongly out-competed the otherwise-crosslinkable QB proteins for polypyrimidine tract RNA crosslinking. This indicates that p62 may have the highest affinity and/or crosslinking efficiency for the intron polypyrimidine tract of any HeLa nuclear protein.