SRSFfamily

The SRSF family, also known as serine/arginine-rich splicing factor family, is a group of RNA-binding proteins that play a crucial role in alternative pre-mRNA splicing. These proteins are essential for regulating gene expression by influencing which exons are included or excluded from a mature messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. This process is fundamental to the diversity of proteins produced by an organism, as a single gene can give rise to multiple protein isoforms. SRSF proteins are characterized by the presence of a conserved RNA recognition motif (RRM) domain that binds to specific RNA sequences and a serine/arginine-rich RS domain that mediates protein-protein interactions and recruitment of splicing machinery.

Members of the SRSF family function as either activators or repressors of splicing, depending on their binding sites on the pre-mRNA and their interactions with other splicing factors. They are involved in a wide array of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of SRSF protein function has been linked to various human diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders, highlighting their importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Research continues to uncover the intricate mechanisms by which SRSF proteins orchestrate the complex process of alternative splicing.