Genes contain the essential building instructions for life, guiding cells on which amino acids to assemble in what sequence to produce specific proteins. The human genome codes for about 20,000 such instructions. "Nevertheless, our cells can produce several hundred thousand different proteins," explains Prof.
Ivan Đikić from the Institute of Biochemistry II at Goethe University Frankfurt. This diversity is enabled by a process known as "splicing." When a cell requires a protein, it generates a copy of the relevant instructions in the cell nucleus.
During splicing, this transcript undergoes modification: a cellular editing complex, the spliceosome, removes certain segments. The outcome varies depending on which parts are cut out, resulting in distinct blueprints for different proteins. Splicing accuracy enhanced This process is crucial for the life of the cell.
"The spliceosome is composed of multiple components that secure production of functional proteins controlling cellular life," explains Đikić. "If this complex is disrupted, it can lead to the death of the affected cell. For this reason, spliceosome inhibitors are considered as potential anti-cancer drugs.
" However, the downside is that a complete blockade of this "editing office" also affects healthy cells, resulting in significant side effects of any spliceosome inhibitor developed so far. In an international study led by Goethe University, researchers have now identified a mechanism that interferes with the spli.