The role of RNA splicing factor PTBP1 in neuronal development

Alternative pre-mRNA splicing, which produces various mRNA isoforms with distinct structures and functions from a single gene, is regulated by specific RNA-binding proteins and is an essential method for regulating gene expression in mammals. Recent studies have shown that abnormal change during neuronal development triggered by splicing mis-regulation is an important feature of various neurological diseases. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is a kind of RNA-binding proteins with extensive biological functions. As a well-known splicing regulator, it affects the neuronal development process through its involvement in axon formation, synaptogenesis, and neuronal apoptosis, according to the most recent studies. Here, we summarized the mechanism of alternative splicing, structure and function of PTBP1, and the latest research progress on the role of alternative splicing events regulated by PTBP1 in axon formation, synaptogenesis and neuronal apoptosis, to reveal the mechanism of PTBP1-regulated changes in neuronal development process.

Automated summary

Alternative pre-mRNA splicing, regulated by specific RNA-binding proteins, produces mRNA isoforms with distinct structures and functions from a single gene, and abnormal splicing mis-regulation is associated with various neurological diseases. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is a well-known splicing regulator that affects neuronal development through its involvement in axon formation, synaptogenesis, and neuronal apoptosis. This study summarizes the mechanism of alternative splicing, structure and function of PTBP1, and the role of PTBP1-regulated alternative splicing events in axon formation, synaptogenesis, and neuronal apoptosis, aiming to reveal the mechanism of PTBP1-regulated changes in neuronal development process.