mRNA alternative splicing and nervous system development

mRNA alternative splicing is widely recognized to be a ubiquitous mechanism for controlling gene expression, through which genes can generate structural and functional diversities. The majority of alternative spliced genes in the nervous system were found to transmit and regulate signals, which include transcription factors, receptors and ion channels. Alternative splicing plays a pivotal role in development, function and ho-meostasis of the nervous system by affecting transcriptional regulation, signal transduction and ion channel dynamics. Errors in alternative splicing can cause neural disorders and cancers, and thus can be used as therapeutic targets. Key words: mRNA; Alternative splicing; Nervous system; Development