Nova-1 regulates neuron-specific alternative splicing and is essential for neuronal viability

作者：Jensen KB; Dredge BK; Stefani G; Zhong R; Buckanovich RJ; Okano HJ; Yang YYL; Darnell RB^*

来源：Neuron, 2000, 25(2): 359-371.

DOI：10.1016/S0896-6273(00)80900-9

We have combined genetic and biochemical approaches to analyze the function of the RNA-binding protein Nova-1, the paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus ataxia (POMA) antigen. Nova-1 null mice die postnatally from a motor deficit associated with apoptotic death of spinal and brainstem neurons. Nova-1 null mice show specific splicing defects in two inhibitory receptor pre-mRNAs, glycine alpha 2 exon 3A (GlyR alpha 2 E3A) and GABA(A) exon gamma 2L. Nova protein in brain extracts specifically bound to a previously identified GlyR alpha 2 intronic (UCAUY)(3) Nova target sequence, and Nova-1 acted directly on this element to increase E3A splicing in cotransfection assays. We conclude that Nova-1 binds RNA in a sequence-specific manner to regulate neuronal pre-mRNA alternative splicing; the defect in splicing in Nova-1 null mice provides a model for understanding the motor dysfunction in POMA.

• 出版日期2000-2