The SNRPN Upstream Reading Frame (SNURF) is a protein encoded by the SNURF-SNRPN gene in humans. This gene is located on chromosome 15q11.2 and is known for its role in the regulation of gene expression through imprinting mechanisms . The SNURF-SNRPN gene is bicistronic, meaning it encodes two distinct proteins from a single mRNA transcript: the SNRPN upstream reading frame protein (SNURF) and the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (SNRPN) .
The SNURF-SNRPN gene utilizes multiple transcription initiation sites and undergoes extensive alternative splicing in its 5’ untranslated region . The upstream coding region of this gene includes the first three exons of the transcript, which have been identified as an imprinting center . This region is evolutionarily conserved and plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression.
The SNURF protein is highly basic and localized to the nucleus . Although the exact function of SNURF is not fully understood, it is believed to be involved in RNA splicing and mRNA processing . The SNRPN protein, on the other hand, is a component of the spliceosome complex and is essential for the proper splicing of pre-mRNA .
The study of the SNURF-SNRPN gene and its encoded proteins has significant implications for understanding the mechanisms of gene imprinting and the regulation of gene expression. Human recombinant SNURF protein is used in various research applications to study its function and interactions with other proteins .