The SNRPC gene is located on human chromosome 6p21.31 . It encodes a protein that is a specific component of the U1 snRNP particle. The U1 snRNP is one of the first snRNPs to interact with pre-mRNA, recognizing the 5’ splice site and facilitating the assembly of the spliceosome . The spliceosome is a complex molecular machine responsible for removing introns from pre-mRNA and ligating exons together.
SNRPC is directly involved in the initial recognition of the 5’ splice site of pre-mRNA. This recognition is crucial for both constitutive and regulated alternative splicing . The interaction between SNRPC and the 5’ splice site precedes the base-pairing between the pre-mRNA and the U1 snRNA, ensuring accurate splicing and processing of mRNA .
SNRPC is not only essential for normal cellular function but also has clinical significance. Autoantibodies targeting snRNP particles, including SNRPC, are frequently produced by patients with connective tissue diseases . These autoantibodies can interfere with the normal function of snRNPs, leading to defects in mRNA splicing and contributing to disease pathology.
Recombinant human SNRPC is used in various research applications to study the mechanisms of RNA splicing and the role of snRNPs in cellular processes. Understanding the function and regulation of SNRPC can provide insights into the molecular basis of diseases associated with splicing defects and aid in the development of therapeutic strategies.