LSM1 Homolog, U6 Small Nuclear RNA Associated Human Recombinant
LSM12 Homolog, U6 Small Nuclear RNA Associated Human Recombinant
LSM2 Homolog, U6 Small Nuclear RNA Associated Human Recombinant
LSM3 Homolog, U6 Small Nuclear RNA Associated Human Recombinant
LSM4 Homolog, U6 Small Nuclear RNA Associated Human Recombinant
LSM5 Homolog, U6 Small Nuclear RNA Associated Human Recombinant
U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is a non-coding RNA component of the spliceosome, a complex responsible for the removal of introns from pre-mRNA . It is one of the five uridine-rich snRNAs (U1, U2, U4, U5, and U6) that are essential for the splicing process . U6 snRNA is transcribed by RNA polymerase III and is characterized by its high uridine content .
Key Biological Properties: U6 snRNA is highly conserved across species and forms a crucial part of the spliceosome’s catalytic core . It is metabolically stable and synthesized by RNA polymerase III .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: U6 snRNA is ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotic cells and is confined to the nucleus, specifically within the splicing speckles and Cajal bodies . It is present in multiple copies throughout the genome, with some copies being pseudogenes .
Primary Biological Functions: U6 snRNA plays a pivotal role in the splicing of pre-mRNA by forming the catalytic core of the spliceosome . It interacts with other snRNAs (U2, U4, and U5) and various proteins to facilitate the precise removal of introns .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: While U6 snRNA’s primary function is in RNA splicing, its involvement in immune responses and pathogen recognition is not well-documented. However, the proper functioning of the spliceosome is crucial for the expression of immune-related genes .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: U6 snRNA interacts with U4 snRNA to form a stable complex, which is later unwound to allow U6 to pair with U2 snRNA . This interaction is essential for the catalytic activity of the spliceosome .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: U6 snRNA binds to several proteins, including LSm proteins and other snRNP-specific proteins, to form the U6 snRNP complex . This complex coordinates the magnesium ions required for the splicing reaction and positions the substrate for catalysis .
Transcriptional Regulation: U6 snRNA is transcribed by RNA polymerase III, and its promoter contains several regulatory elements, including the proximal sequence element (PSE), octamer element (OCT), and TATA box . These elements are crucial for the efficient transcription of U6 snRNA .
Post-Translational Modifications: U6 snRNA undergoes several modifications, including 2’-O-methylation and pseudouridylation, which are essential for its stability and function .
Biomedical Research: U6 snRNA is widely used as a reference gene in gene expression studies due to its stable expression . It is also employed in RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9 systems for gene knockdown and genome editing .
Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Strategies: U6 snRNA’s involvement in splicing makes it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in diseases caused by splicing defects . Its stable expression also makes it a reliable marker in diagnostic assays .
Development to Aging and Disease: U6 snRNA is essential throughout the life cycle, from development to aging . Its role in splicing is crucial for the proper expression of genes involved in various biological processes. Defects in U6 snRNA or its associated proteins can lead to splicing errors, contributing to diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders .