CPPS403 - GeneRegulation I - 1 Flashcards
(44 cards)
What are the main components involved in gene regulation?
Promoters, enhancers, silencers, transcription factors
These components work at multiple levels to regulate gene expression.
What is the role of a splice donor in RNA splicing?
5’ end of an intron contains a splice donor that consists of GU
The splice donor is crucial for the initiation of splicing.
What is located at the 3’ end of an intron?
A splice acceptor that ends in AG
This is important for the recognition of splicing sites.
What initiates the splicing process?
Binding of an RNA-protein complex (spliceosome) to the branch site and splice acceptor
This complex is essential for the splicing mechanism.
What is the function of U1 and U2 snRNP in RNA splicing?
Define boundaries of the splice sites
These small nuclear ribonucleoproteins are crucial for accurate splicing.
What is the B complex in RNA splicing?
Formation after recruitment of the U4/U6-U5 snRNP complex
This complex undergoes conformational changes to become catalytically active.
What occurs during the splicing process?
RNA is cleaved at the donor site and attached to the branch point, creating a lariat structure
The acceptor site is then cleaved and the 5’ and 3’ ends are ligated together.
What is alternative splicing?
Differential splicing of exons creating multiple distinct proteins from the same gene
This process contributes to proteomic diversity and is highly cell- or tissue-specific.
What typically leads to constitutive splicing?
A ‘strong’ splice site (more similar to the consensus sequence)
This type of splicing occurs regularly without variation.
What can lead to alternative splicing?
Weak or suboptimal splice sites
These sites can result in different splicing outcomes.
What are exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs)?
Sequences recognized by splicing factors that enhance splicing
They play a role in determining splice site selection.
What is the role of RNA-binding protein 20 (RBM20) in splicing?
Regulates the splicing of Titin in the heart
Alterations in RBM20 are associated with cardiomyopathies.
What is the function of poly(A) tails in mRNA?
Regulate gene expression and promote translation
They interact synergistically with the m7G cap.
What can influence gene regulation through transcript stability?
mRNA poly(A) tails
The length and presence of poly(A) tails can affect translation efficiency.
What happens to mRNA with short or absent poly(A) tails?
They have low levels of transcription
This indicates the importance of poly(A) tails for gene expression.
What are the key learning objectives regarding gene regulation?
Structure of DNA, RNA, eukaryotic genes; chromatin organization and modifications; mRNA splicing; alternative RNA splicing and transcript stability impact
Understanding these concepts is critical for comprehending gene expression.
What are the primary structures studied in CPPS 403?
DNA, RNA, and eukaryotic genes
What is the significance of chromatin organization in gene regulation?
It alters chromatin organization and influences gene expression
Describe the process involved in mRNA splicing.
The process involves the removal of introns and joining of exons
How does alternative RNA splicing affect gene expression?
It can lead to the production of different protein isoforms
What factors influence transcript stability?
RNA-binding proteins and regulatory sequences
Fill in the blank: The common modifications that alter chromatin organization include _______.
[methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation]
True or False: Eukaryotic genes are organized in a linear manner on chromosomes.
True
What is the role of chromatin in the regulation of gene expression?
It regulates access to DNA for transcription
