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A mechanism for RNA–RNA splicing and a model for the control of gene expression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 April 2009

Vincent Murray  and
Robin Holliday
Vincent Murray
Affiliation:
National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA
Robin Holliday
Affiliation:
National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA
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Summary

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A mechanism for RNA–RNA splicing is proposed. A species of RNA (‘splicer’ RNA) hybridizes to precursor mRNA across the splice point. This hybridization can be with intron or exon sequences or both. The double-stranded RNA structure precisely indicates to the splicing enzymes the exact location for exon ligation.

A model for the control of gene expression is presented. The regulation of synthesis of different splicer RNAs will also control which precursor mRNA molecules are spliced. The removal of intervening sequences from a precursor mRNA molecule could be both a signal for that molecule to be transported to the cytoplasm and a means of allowing gene expression.

Type
Research Article
Information
Genetics Research , Volume 34 , Issue 2 , October 1979 , pp. 173 - 188
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1979

References

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