Alternative Splicing In Brain Function

Alternative Splicing in Brain Function

Functional and structural intricacies of biological systems emerge from the complex nature of the genome. A key aspect of genome complexity can be attributed to the process of alternative splicing of precursor mRNA (or pre-mRNA), during which introns are removed and exons are selectively spliced together. This highly regulated process generates different mature mRNA transcripts from a single gene and is widespread throughout the eukaryotic evolution. The majority of the genes expressed in the mammalian central nervous system undergo extensive alternative splicing. Some genes can generate more than a thousand isoforms resulting in diverse proteoforms that can differ in their function, binding preference, catalytic activity, and localization. Perturbation in alternative splicing has been linked to many neurological disorders. Despite its significance, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of its role in neuronal function. Recent studies suggest that alternative splicing is a regulator of tissue identity and development. This is particularly relevant to the brain where developmental regulation and heterogenous cell population play a crucial role in shaping its function. For a long time, technological limitations in detecting and measuring alternatively spliced transcripts hindered the progress in understanding the biology of alternative splicing. Recent advances in long-read and native mRNA sequencing and robust computational tools allow us to capture and quantify in their full-length form. Public transcriptomics datasets can be utilized for the meta-analysis of alternative splicing landscapes of various experimental conditions and disease samples. In addition, protein isoform detection complements mRNA isoform levels. Given its biological significance and recent advances, the objective of this Research Topic is to assemble current knowledge, views, and challenges in the studies of alternative splicing in brain function.

Regulation of Gene Expression and Brain Function

Gene expression converts the information coded by our genes into proteins. These determine the structure and function of an organ such as the brain. Itis therefore an essential process, linking molecular genetics with neurochemistry and behavioral neuroscience. This volume presents a didactic approach to the understanding of the basic processes of gene expression and their involvement in certain brain diseases, such asAlzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Generously illustrated, the contributions provide a valuable outline of this key aspect of molecular neurobiology and clinical neuroscience.

Fragile X Spectrum Disorders