STARs in the CNS

Biochem Soc Trans. 2016 Aug 15;44(4):1066-72. doi: 10.1042/BST20160084.

Abstract

STAR (signal transduction and activation of RNA) proteins regulate splicing of target genes that have roles in neural connectivity, survival and myelination in the vertebrate nervous system. These regulated splicing targets include mRNAs such as the Neurexins (Nrxn), SMN2 (survival of motor neuron) and MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein). Recent work has made it possible to identify and validate STAR protein splicing targets in vivo by using genetically modified mouse models. In this review, we will discuss the importance of STAR protein splicing targets in the CNS (central nervous system).

Keywords: CNS (central nervous system); KHDRBS (KH domain RNA binding and signal transduction); RNA-binding proteins; STAR (signal transduction and activation of RNA); alternative splicing; neurexin.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / genetics
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA Splicing*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / classification
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Survival of Motor Neuron 2 Protein / genetics

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein
  • NRXN1 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • SMN2 protein, human
  • Survival of Motor Neuron 2 Protein