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Neurodegenerative diseases: A hotbed for splicing defects and the potential therapies
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Neurodegenerative diseases: A hotbed for splicing defects and the potential therapies

Translational Neurodegeneration, Vol.10, 16
2021
PMID: 34016162
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Neurodegenerative diseases - A hotbed for splicing defects and the potential therapies1.55 MBDownloadView
Published (Version of Record)CC BY V4.0 Open Access

Abstract

Disease-modifying treatment Alternative splicing Splicing defects Splice-switching Parkinson's disease Neurodegenerative diseases Antisense oligonucleotides Alzheimer's disease
Precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is a fundamental step in eukaryotic gene expression that systematically removes non-coding regions (introns) and ligates coding regions (exons) into a continuous message (mature mRNA). This process is highly regulated and can be highly flexible through a process known as alternative splicing, which allows for several transcripts to arise from a single gene, thereby greatly increasing genetic plasticity and the diversity of proteome. Alternative splicing is particularly prevalent in neuronal cells, where the splicing patterns are continuously changing to maintain cellular homeostasis and promote neurogenesis, migration and synaptic function. The continuous changes in splicing patterns and a high demand on many cis- and trans-splicing factors contribute to the susceptibility of neuronal tissues to splicing defects. The resultant neurodegenerative diseases are a large group of disorders defined by a gradual loss of neurons and a progressive impairment in neuronal function. Several of the most common neurodegenerative diseases involve some form of splicing defect(s), such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and spinal muscular atrophy. Our growing understanding of RNA splicing has led to the explosion of research in the field of splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics. Here we review our current understanding of the effects alternative splicing has on neuronal differentiation, neuronal migration, synaptic maturation and regulation, as well as the impact on neurodegenerative diseases. We will also review the current landscape of splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides as a therapeutic strategy for a number of common neurodegenerative disorders.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.54 Molecular & Cell Biology - Genetics
1.54.469 Alternative Splicing
Web Of Science research areas
Neurosciences
ESI research areas
Neuroscience & Behavior
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