fusiesplicing

Fusiesplicing is a biological process that occurs when two separate RNA molecules are joined together to form a single, hybrid RNA molecule. This phenomenon can arise from several mechanisms, including the fusion of two different genes or the abnormal joining of pre-mRNA molecules during the splicing process. In eukaryotes, RNA splicing is a critical step in gene expression where introns are removed from pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) and exons are joined together to form mature mRNA. Occasionally, errors in this splicing process can lead to the formation of fusion transcripts, which are RNA molecules transcribed from two distinct genomic loci that have been fused together.

Fusion transcripts can arise from chromosomal rearrangements, such as translocations or inversions, which bring together parts of different genes. Alternatively, they can be generated through a process called trans-splicing, where separate RNA molecules are ligated together. While some fusion transcripts may be non-functional or even detrimental, others can result in the production of novel proteins with altered or entirely new functions. These fusion proteins can sometimes play a role in disease development, particularly in cancer, where specific fusion genes are often identified as oncogenic drivers. The study of fusiesplicing is important for understanding gene regulation, evolutionary processes, and the molecular basis of various diseases.