Publication Highlights
'Hypothermia in a syringe' through RBM3 ASOs.
A splicing-based mechanism that increases expression of the broadly neuroprotective protein RBM3 in hypothermia may form the basis for a new therapeutic concept in neurodegenerative diseases. Online access: https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.15252/emmm.202217157
An alternative splicing switch in analogy to immediate early genes.
Check out Immediate Early Splicing, a fast and transient splicing switch independent of de novo protein synthesis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39948410/
Finally: A mammalian RNA thermometer.
We describe a mammalian RNA thermometer that controls splicing of the poison exon in RBM3 leading to temperature-dependent RBM3 expression. A temperature-dependent RNA G-quadruplex controls accessibility of the 3’ splice site of the poison exon: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12446472/. RNA thermometers are best known in bacteria, e.g. in the control of heat and cold shock responses. Our work now suggests that RNA thermometers are also present and contribute to adjust gene expression to changing temperatures in mammals.
CLKs are on the Cover of Molecular Cell!
https://www.cell.com/molcel/issue?pii=S1097276519X00088
https://www.cell.com/molecular-cell/fulltext/S1097-2765(20)30049-6
We show that CLKs act as evolutionarily conserved body temperature sensor that globally controls alternative splicing and gene expression. Among many functional implications we suggest a connection to temperature-dependent sex determination in reptiles. Isn't that hot? This drawing by the first author Tom Haltenhof summarizes the main findings. The style is adapted from a mural of the artist Gerhard Richter. Science meets Arts!
Image Credit: Tom Haltenhof