When RNA Splicing Goes Awry (IMAGE)

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

When RNA Splicing Goes Awry

Caption

Cells make proteins based on blueprints encoded in our genes. These blueprints are copied into a raw RNA message, which must be edited, or spliced, to form a mature message that can direct the cellular machinery that synthesizes proteins. CSHL scientists have rigorously analyzed how mutations can alter RNA messages at the start of a splicing site (5-prime splice site). 1 and 2 here indicate those positions in a hypothetical raw RNA message. The aim is to be able to predict how errors at these sites will affect protein synthesis. Some errors lead to serious illnesses.

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Diagram courtesy of Khan Academy. Note: All Khan Academy content is available for free at (www.khanacademy.org<http://www.khanacademy.org

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