Page last updated: 2024-10-24

snRNA processing

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process involved in the conversion of a primary small nuclear RNA (snRNA) transcript into a mature snRNA molecule. The primary function of snRNAs is processing pre-messenger RNA in the nucleus. They have also been shown to aid in the regulation of transcription factors (7SK RNA) or RNA polymerase II (B2 RNA), and maintaining the telomeres. [PMID:15196465, PMID:31815536]

snRNA processing is a complex and essential biological process that involves the maturation of small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), crucial components of the spliceosome, a molecular machine responsible for removing introns from pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) during gene expression. This intricate process can be summarized as follows:

1. **Transcription:** snRNA genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase II, producing primary transcripts known as pre-snRNAs. These transcripts contain exons and introns, similar to pre-mRNA.
2. **5' capping:** The 5' end of the pre-snRNA is capped with a 7-methylguanosine (m7G) cap, which protects the RNA from degradation and assists in its recognition by the spliceosome.
3. **3' end processing:** The 3' end of the pre-snRNA is processed by a complex of enzymes that cleave the transcript at a specific site and add a 3' hydroxyl group.
4. **Splicing:** Pre-snRNAs undergo a unique type of splicing called "autosplicing" where they splice themselves. This process removes introns and joins exons, forming mature snRNAs.
5. **Modification:** Mature snRNAs undergo various modifications, including methylation and pseudouridylation, which are crucial for their proper function and stability. These modifications alter the structure and properties of the snRNAs, contributing to their specific interactions with other spliceosome components.
6. **Assembly:** Mature snRNAs associate with specific proteins to form snRNPs (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles), also known as "snurps." Each snRNP contains a specific snRNA and a set of proteins.
7. **Spliceosome formation:** Different snRNPs assemble into a larger complex, the spliceosome, which catalyzes the removal of introns from pre-mRNA.

The proper processing of snRNAs is crucial for accurate gene expression. Errors in snRNA processing can lead to defective splicing, resulting in the production of non-functional proteins and various diseases. '
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Proteins (1)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase FTOAn alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase FTO that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9C0B1]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (15)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
citric acid, anhydrouscitric acid : A tricarboxylic acid that is propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid bearing a hydroxy substituent at position 2. It is an important metabolite in the pathway of all aerobic organisms.

Citric Acid: A key intermediate in metabolism. It is an acid compound found in citrus fruits. The salts of citric acid (citrates) can be used as anticoagulants due to their calcium chelating ability.
tricarboxylic acidantimicrobial agent;
chelator;
food acidity regulator;
fundamental metabolite
malic acid2-hydroxydicarboxylic acid : Any dicarboxylic acid carrying a hydroxy group on the carbon atom at position alpha to the carboxy group.

malic acid : A 2-hydroxydicarboxylic acid that is succinic acid in which one of the hydrogens attached to a carbon is replaced by a hydroxy group.
2-hydroxydicarboxylic acid;
C4-dicarboxylic acid
food acidity regulator;
fundamental metabolite
pyruvic acidpyruvic acid : A 2-oxo monocarboxylic acid that is the 2-keto derivative of propionic acid. It is a metabolite obtained during glycolysis.

Pyruvic Acid: An intermediate compound in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. In thiamine deficiency, its oxidation is retarded and it accumulates in the tissues, especially in nervous structures. (From Stedman, 26th ed)
2-oxo monocarboxylic acidcofactor;
fundamental metabolite
2,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acidlutidinic acid : A pyridinedicarboxylic acid carrying carboxy groups at positions 2 and 4.pyridinedicarboxylic acid
d-glutamateD-alpha-amino acid;
glutamic acid
Escherichia coli metabolite;
mouse metabolite
glutamic acidglutamic acid : An alpha-amino acid that is glutaric acid bearing a single amino substituent at position 2.

Glutamic Acid: A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
glutamic acid;
glutamine family amino acid;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid
Escherichia coli metabolite;
ferroptosis inducer;
micronutrient;
mouse metabolite;
neurotransmitter;
nutraceutical
d-lactic acid(R)-lactic acid : An optically active form of lactic acid having (R)-configuration.2-hydroxypropanoic acidEscherichia coli metabolite;
human metabolite
d-2-hydroxyglutarate(R)-2-hydroxyglutaric acid : The (R)-enantiomer of 2-hydroxyglutaric acid.2-hydroxyglutaric acidalgal metabolite
alpha-hydroxyglutarate, (l)-isomer2-hydroxyglutaric acid
fumaric acidfumaric acid : A butenedioic acid in which the C=C double bond has E geometry. It is an intermediate metabolite in the citric acid cycle.

fumaric acid: see also record for ferrous fumarate; use FUMARATES for general fumaric acid esters
butenedioic acidfood acidity regulator;
fundamental metabolite;
geroprotector
5-carboxy-8-hydroxyquinoline5-carboxy-8-hydroxyquinoline: a JmjC histone demethylase inhibitor; structure in first sourcequinolines
aconitic acidcis-aconitic acid : The cis-isomer of aconitic acid.aconitic acidfundamental metabolite
oxalylglycineN-oxalylglycine : An amino dicarboxylic acid that is iminodiacetic acid with an oxo substituent. It is used as an inhibitor of alpha-ketoglutarate dependent (EC 1.14.11.*) enzymes.

oxalylglycine: structure given in first source
amino dicarboxylic acid;
N-acylglycine
EC 1.14.11.* (oxidoreductase acting on paired donors, 2-oxoglutarate as one donor, incorporating 1 atom each of oxygen into both donors) inhibitor
entacaponeentacapone : A monocarboxylic acid amide that is N,N-diethylprop-2-enamide in which the hydrogen at position 2 is substituted by a cyano group and the hydrogen at the 3E position is substituted by a 3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl group.

entacapone: structure given in first source
2-nitrophenols;
catechols;
monocarboxylic acid amide;
nitrile
antidyskinesia agent;
antiparkinson drug;
central nervous system drug;
EC 2.1.1.6 (catechol O-methyltransferase) inhibitor
fg-4592roxadustat : An N-acylglycine resulting from the formal condensation of the amino group of glycine with the carboxy group of 4-hydroxy-1-methyl-7-phenoxyisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. It is an inhibitor of hypoxia inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH).

roxadustat: structure in first source
aromatic ether;
isoquinolines;
N-acylglycine
EC 1.14.11.2 (procollagen-proline dioxygenase) inhibitor;
EC 1.14.11.29 (hypoxia-inducible factor-proline dioxygenase) inhibitor