Splicing process under cryo-EM: structure of U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP

Abstract

Splicing of pre-mRNA is executed by the spliceosomes which contains five small nuclear ribonucleoproteins and large numbers of associated enzymes and cofactors. Using cryo-EM, structures can be clearly analyzied and process could be indicated. This article foucuses on researches of Y.Shi’s group on the splicing process, especially the down to date discovery: the 3.8 Å structure of the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP and the role  it  palys in spliceosome assembly and catalysis. This article also discussed cryo-EM and compared it with X-ray crystallography, for its decisive function in the whole study.