A novel protein factor is required for use of distal alternative 5'' splice sites in vitro.

Adenovirus E1A pre-mRNA was used as a model to examine alternative 5' splice site selection during in vitro splicing reactions. Strong preference for the downstream 13S 5' splice site over the upstream 12S or 9S 5' splice sites was observed. However, the 12S 5' splice site was used efficiently when a mutant pre-mRNA lacking the 13S 5' splice site was processed, and 12S splicing from this substrate was not reduced by 13S splicing from a separate pre-mRNA, demonstrating that 13S splicing reduced 12S 5' splice site selection through a bona fide cis-competition. DEAE-cellulose chromatography of nuclear extract yielded two fractions with different splicing activities. The bound fraction contained all components required for efficient splicing of simple substrates but was unable to utilize alternative 5' splice sites. In contrast, the flow-through fraction, which by itself was inactive, contained an activity required for alternative splicing and was shown to stimulate 12S and 9S splicing, while reducing 13S splicing, when added to reactions carried out by the bound fraction. Furthermore, the activity, which we have called distal splicing factor (DSF), enhanced utilization of an upstream 5' splice site on a simian virus 40 early pre-mRNA, suggesting that the factor acts in a position-dependent, substrate-independent fashion. Several lines of evidence are presented suggesting that DSF is a non-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein protein. Finally, we describe a functional interaction between DSF and ASF, a protein that enhances use of downstream 5' splice sites.     

hnRNP I/PTB can antagonize the splicing repressor activity of SRp30c

The control of alternative pre-mRNA splicing often requires the participation of factors displaying synergistic or antagonistic activities. In the hnRNP A1 pre-mRNA, three elements promote the exclusion of alternative exon 7B, while a fourth intron element (CE9) represses splicing of exon 7B to the downstream exon. We have shown previously that the 5' portion of the 38-nucleotide-long CE9 element is bound by SRp30c, and that this interaction is important for repression in vitro. To determine whether SRp30c alone can impose repression, we tested a high-affinity SRp30c binding site that we identified using the SELEX protocol. We find that multiple high-affinity SRp30c sites are required to replicate the level of repression obtained with CE9, and that both the 5' and the 3' portions of CE9 contribute to SRp30c binding. Performing RNA affinity chromatography with the complete CE9 element recovered hnRNP I/PTB. Surprisingly however, His-tagged PTB reduced the binding of SRp30c to CE9 in a nuclear extract, stimulated splicing to a downstream 3' splice site, and relieved the CE9-mediated splicing repression in vitro. Our in vivo results are consistent with the notion that increasing PTB levels alleviates the repression imposed by CE9 to a downstream 3' splice site. Thus, PTB can function as an anti-repressor molecule to counteract the splicing inhibitory activity of SRp30c.     

A subset of SR proteins activates splicing of the cardiac troponin T alternative exon by direct interactions with an exonic enhancer.

The cardiac troponin T pre-mRNA contains an exonic splicing enhancer that is required for inclusion of the alternative exon 5. Here we show that enhancer activity is exquisitely sensitive to changes in the sequence of a 9-nucleotide motif (GAGGAAGAA) even when its purine content is preserved. A series of mutations that increased or decreased the level of exon inclusion in vivo were used to correlate enhancer strength with RNA-protein interactions in vitro. Analyses involving UV cross-linking and immunoprecipitation indicated that only four (SRp30a, SRp40, SRp55, and SRp75) of six essential splicing factors known as SR proteins bind to the active enhancer RNA. Moreover, purified SRp40 and SRp55 activate splicing of exon 5 when added to a splicing-deficient S100 extract. Purified SRp30b did not stimulate splicing in S100 extracts, which is consistent with its failure to bind the enhancer RNA. In vitro competition of SR protein splicing activity and UV cross-linking demonstrated that the sequence determinants for SR protein binding were precisely coincident with the sequence determinants of enhancer strength. Thus, a subset of SR proteins interacts directly with the exonic enhancer to promote inclusion of a poorly defined alternative exon. Independent regulation of the levels of SR proteins may, therefore, contribute to the developmental regulation of exon inclusion.     

Splicing of the adenovirus-2 E1A 13S mRNA requires a minimal intron length and specific intron signals.

The adenovirus E1A region encodes three overlapping mRNAs, designated 9S, 12S and 13S. They differ from each other with regard to the length of the intron which is removed by RNA splicing. We have constructed E1A genes with deletions and insertions in the intervening sequence that is common to all three E1A mRNAs, in a search for signals which influence splicing of the 13S mRNA. Mutant plasmids were transfected into HeLa cells and the transiently expressed E1A mRNAs characterized by the S1 protection assay. The results show that five upstream and 20 downstream nucleotides are sufficient to allow for a correct utilization of the 5'-splice junction for the E1A 13S mRNA. Moreover, we show that a minimal intron length of 78 nucleotides is required for efficient 13S mRNA splicing. The ability of mutants with large intron deletions to maturate a 13S mRNA could partially be restored by expanding the intron length with phage lambda sequences. However, in no case was the normal splicing efficiency obtained with these mutants. In contrast, one mutant in which sequences from the authentic 13S mRNA intron were used to expand the intron expressed almost normal levels of 13S mRNA, thus suggesting that signals which specifically promote 13S mRNA splicing exist.     

SR proteins Asf/SF2 and 9G8 interact to activate enhancer-dependent intron D splicing of bovine growth hormone pre-mRNA in vitro

The alternative splicing of the last intron (intron D) of bovine growth hormone (bGH) pre-mRNA requires a down-stream exonic splicing enhancer (FP/ESE). The presence of at least one SR protein has been shown to be essential for FP/ESE function and splicing of intron D in in vitro splicing assays. However, in vitro reconstitution of splicing using individual purified SR proteins may not accurately reflect the true complexity of alternative splicing in an intact nucleus, where multiple SR proteins in varying amounts are likely to be available simultaneously. Here, a panel of recombinant baculovirus-expressed SR proteins was produced and tested for the ability to activate FP/ESE-dependent splicing. Individual recombinant SR proteins differed significantly in their activity in promoting intron D splicing. Among the recombinant SR proteins tested, SRp55 was the most active, SC35 showed very little activity, and ASF/SF2 and 9G8 individually had intermediate activity. At least one SR protein (ASF/SF2) bound to the FP/ESE with characteristics of a cooperative interaction. Most interestingly, low concentrations of ASF/SF2 and 9G8 acted synergistically to activate intron D splicing. This was due in part to synergistic binding to the FP/ESE. Splicing of bGH intron D is inherently complex, and is likely controlled by an interaction of the FP/ESE with several trans-acting protein factors acting both independently and cooperatively. This level of complexity may be required for precise control of alternative splicing by an exon sequence, which simultaneously is constrained to maintain translational integrity of the mature mRNA.     

The Protein Kinase Clk/Sty Directly Modulates SR Protein Activity: Both Hyper- and Hypophosphorylation Inhibit Splicing

The splicing of mammalian mRNA precursors requires both protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, likely involving modification of members of the SR protein family of splicing factors. Several kinases have been identified that can phosphorylate SR proteins in vitro, and transfection assays have provided evidence that at least one of these, Clk/Sty, can modulate splicing in vivo. But evidence that a specific kinase can directly affect the splicing activity of SR proteins has been lacking. Here, by using purified recombinant Clk/Sty, a catalytically inactive mutant, and individual SR proteins, we show that Clk/Sty directly affects the activity of SR proteins, but not other essential splicing factors, in reconstituted splicing assays. We also provide evidence that both hyper- and hypophosphorylation inhibit SR protein splicing activity, repressing constitutive splicing and switching alternative splice site selection. These findings indicate that Clk/Sty directly and specifically influences the activity of SR protein splicing factors and, importantly, show that both under- and overphosphorylation of SR proteins can modulate splicing.     

A DNA damage signal activates and derepresses exon inclusion in Drosophila TAF1 alternative splicing

Signal-dependent alternative splicing is important for regulating gene expression in eukaryotes, yet our understanding of how signals impact splicing mechanisms is limited. A model to address this issue is alternative splicing of Drosophila TAF1 pre-mRNA in response to camptothecin (CPT)-induced DNA damage signals. CPT treatment of Drosophila S2 cells causes increased inclusion of TAF1 alternative cassette exons 12a and 13a through an ATR signaling pathway. To evaluate the role of TAF1 pre-mRNA sequences in the alternative splicing mechanism, we developed a TAF1 minigene (miniTAF1) and an S2 cell splicing assay that recapitulated key aspects of CPT-induced alternative splicing of endogenous TAF1. Analysis of miniTAF1 indicated that splice site strength underlies independent and distinct mechanisms that control exon 12a and 13a inclusion. Mutation of the exon 13a weak 5' splice site or weak 3' splice site to a consensus sequence was sufficient for constitutive exon 13a inclusion. In contrast, mutation of the exon 12a strong 5' splice site or moderate 3' splice site to a consensus sequence was only sufficient for constitutive exon 12a inclusion in the presence of CPT-induced signals. Analogous studies of the exon 13 3' splice site suggest that exon 12a inclusion involves signal-dependent pairing between constitutive and alternative splice sites. Finally, intronic elements identified by evolutionary conservation were necessary for full repression of exon 12a inclusion or full activation of exon 13a inclusion and may be targets of CPT-induced signals. In summary, this work defines the role of sequence elements in the regulation of TAF1 alternative splicing in response to a DNA damage signal.     

Characterization and cloning of the human splicing factor 9G8: a novel 35 kDa factor of the serine/arginine protein family.

By adopting a monoclonal antibody approach, we have identified a novel splicing factor of 35 kDa which we have termed 9G8. The isolation and characterization of cDNA clones indicate that 9G8 is a novel member of the serine/arginine (SR) splicing factor family because it includes an N-terminal RNA binding domain (RBD) and a C-terminal SR domain. The RNA binding domain of 9G8 is highly homologous to those of the SRp20 and RBP1 factors (79-71% identity), but the homology is less pronounced in the cases of SF2/ASF and SC35/PR264 (45-37% identity). Compared with the other SR splicing factors, 9G8 presents some specific sequence features because it contains an RRSRSXSX consensus sequence repeated six times in the SR domain, and a CCHC motif in its median region, similar to the zinc knuckle found in the SLU7 splicing factor in yeast. Complete immunodepletion of 9G8 from a nuclear extract, which is accompanied by a substantial depletion of other SR factors, results in a loss of splicing activity. We show that a recombinant 9G8 protein, expressed using a baculovirus vector and excluding other SR factors, rescues the splicing activity of a 9G8-depleted nuclear extract and an S100 cytoplasmic fraction. This indicates that 9G8 plays a crucial role in splicing, similar to that of the other SR splicing factors. This similarity was confirmed by the fact that purified human SC35 also rescues the 9G8-depleted extract. The identification of the 9G8 factor enlarges the essential family of SR splicing factors, whose members have also been proposed to play key roles in alternative splicing.     

SRSF1 regulates the alternative splicing of caspase 9 via a novel intronic splicing enhancer affecting the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells

Increasing evidence points to the functional importance of alternative splice variations in cancer pathophysiology with the alternative pre-mRNA processing of caspase 9 as one example. In this study, we delve into the underlying molecular mechanisms that regulate the alternative splicing of caspase 9. Specifically, the pre-mRNA sequence of caspase 9 was analyzed for RNA cis-elements known to interact with SRSF1, a required enhancer for caspase 9 RNA splicing. This analysis revealed 13 possible RNA cis-elements for interaction with SRSF1 with mutagenesis of these RNA cis-elements identifying a strong intronic splicing enhancer located in intron 6 (C9-I6/ISE). SRSF1 specifically interacted with this sequence, which was required for SRSF1 to act as a splicing enhancer of the inclusion of the 4 exon cassette. To further determine the biological importance of this mechanism, we employed RNA oligonucleotides to redirect caspase 9 pre-mRNA splicing in favor of caspase 9b expression, which resulted in an increase in the IC(50) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells to daunorubicin, cisplatinum, and paclitaxel. In contrast, downregulation of caspase 9b induced a decrease in the IC(50) of these chemotherapeutic drugs. Finally, these studies showed that caspase 9 RNA splicing was a major mechanism for the synergistic effects of combination therapy with daunorubicin and erlotinib. Overall, we have identified a novel intronic splicing enhancer that regulates caspase 9 RNA splicing and specifically interacts with SRSF1. Furthermore, we showed that the alternative splicing of caspase 9 is an important molecular mechanism with therapeutic relevance to NSCLCs.     

The 26S proteasome Rpn10 gene encoding splicing isoforms: evolutional conservation of the genomic organization in vertebrates

Recognition of polyubiquitinated substrates by the 26S proteasome is a key step in the selective degradation of various cellular proteins. The Rpn10 subunit of the 26S proteasome can bind polyubiquitin conjugates in vitro. We have previously reported the unique diversity of Rpn10, which differs from other multiple proteasome subunits, and that the mouse Rpn10 mRNA family is generated from a single gene by developmentally regulated alternative splicing. To determine whether such alternative splicing mechanisms occur in other species, we searched for Rpn10 isoforms in databases and in our original PCR products. Here we report the genomic organization of the Rpn10 gene in lower vertebrates and provide evidence for the competent generation of distinct forms of Rpn10 by alternative splicing through evolution.     

Combinatorial control of signal-induced exon repression by hnRNP L and PSF

Cells can regulate their protein repertoire in response to extracellular stimuli via alternative splicing; however, the mechanisms controlling this process are poorly understood. The CD45 gene undergoes alternative splicing in response to T-cell activation to regulate T-cell function. The ESS1 splicing silencer in CD45 exon 4 confers basal exon skipping in resting T cells through the activity of hnRNP L and confers activation-induced exon skipping in T cells via previously unknown mechanisms. Here we have developed an in vitro splicing assay that recapitulates the signal-induced alternative splicing of CD45 and demonstrate that cellular stimulation leads to two changes to the ESS1-bound splicing regulatory complex. Activation-induced posttranslational modification of hnRNP L correlates with a modest increase in the protein's repressive activity. More importantly, the splicing factor PSF is recruited to the ESS1 complex in an activation-dependent manner and accounts for the majority of the signal-regulated ESS1 activity. The associations of hnRNP L and PSF with the ESS1 complex are largely independent of each other, but together these proteins account for the total signal-regulated change in CD45 splicing observed in vitro and in vivo. Such a combinatorial effect on splicing allows for precise regulation of signal-induced alternative splicing.     

cis-elements involved in alternative splicing in the rat beta-tropomyosin gene: the 3'-splice site of the skeletal muscle exon 7 is the major site of blockage in nonmuscle cells.

We have been using the rat beta-tropomyosin (beta-TM) gene as a model system to study the mechanism of alternative splicing. The beta-TM gene spans 10 kb with 11 exons and encodes two distinct isoforms, namely skeletal muscle beta-TM and fibroblast TM-1. Exons 1-5, 8, and 9 are common to all mRNAs expressed from this gene. Exons 6 and 11 are used in fibroblasts, as well as in smooth muscle cells, whereas exons 7 and 10 are used exclusively in skeletal muscle cells. Our previous studies localized the critical elements for regulated alternative splicing to sequences within exon 7 and the adjacent upstream intron. We also demonstrated that these sequences function, in part, to regulate splice-site selection in vivo by interacting with cellular factors that block the use of the skeletal muscle exon in nonmuscle cells (1). Here we have further characterized the critical cis-acting elements involved in alternative splice site selection. Our data demonstrate that exon 7 and its flanking intron sequences are sufficient to regulate the suppression of exon 7 in nonmuscle cells when flanked by heterologous exons derived from adenovirus. We have also shown by both in vivo and in vitro assays that the blockage of exon 7 in nonmuscle cells is primarily at its 3'-splice site. A model is presented for regulated alternative splicing in both skeletal muscle and nonmuscle cells.