Tra2alpha

Tra2alpha, or Transformer-2 protein homolog alpha, is a vertebrate splicing factor belonging to the Transformer-2 (Tra2) family. In humans it is encoded by the TRA2A gene. Tra2alpha participates in the regulation of alternative splicing by binding to RNA elements in pre-messenger RNA and promoting or repressing the inclusion of specific exons in a context-dependent manner.

Proteins in the Tra2 family typically contain RNA-binding domains and regions rich in arginine and serine that support interactions with the spliceosome and other splicing regulators. Tra2alpha acts within a network of splicing factors, including its paralog Tra2beta (TRA2B), to influence splice site choice on multiple transcripts.

Regulation and mechanism: Tra2alpha recognizes exonic splicing enhancers and interacts with other SR proteins and hnRNPs; its activity can be modulated by phosphorylation through SR protein kinases such as SRPK and CLK family kinases, affecting subcellular localization and splicing outcomes.

Expression and significance: Tra2alpha is widely expressed in various tissues, with activity observed in developing and adult processes. Altered Tra2alpha–mediated splicing patterns have been reported in studies of cancer and neurological disorders, reflecting its role in gene regulation; however, precise functional consequences remain an area of active research.

Evolution: The Tra2 family is evolutionarily conserved, with Drosophila Tra2 as the prototypical member, indicating an ancient role in RNA processing and, in some contexts, sex determination.