U1 snRNP telescripting: molecular mechanisms and beyond

RNA Biol. 2021 Nov;18(11):1512-1523. doi: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1872963. Epub 2021 Jan 15.

Abstract

U1 snRNP is one of the most abundant ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes in eukaryotic cells and is estimated to be approximately 1 million copies per cell. Apart from its canonical role in mRNA splicing, this complex has emerged as a key regulator of eukaryotic mRNA length via inhibition of mRNA 3'-end processing at numerous intronic polyadenylation sites, in a process that is also termed 'U1 snRNP telescripting'. Several reviews have extensively described the concept of U1 telescripting and subsequently highlighted its potential impacts in mRNA metabolism. Here, we review what is currently known regarding the underlying mechanisms of this important phenomenon and discuss open questions and future challenges.

Keywords: U1 snRNP telescripting; co-transcriptional mRNA processing; mRNA polyadenylation; mRNA splicing; premature cleavage and polyadenylation (PCPA).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Polyadenylation*
  • RNA Precursors / genetics
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism*
  • RNA Splicing*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear / genetics
  • Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA Precursors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear

Grants and funding

This work is supported by a National Natural Science Foundation of China [31970613] and Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Project [201803040017] to C. Y..