The reciprocal regulation between splicing and 3′‐end processing

Most eukaryotic precursor mRNAs are subjected to RNA processing events, including 5′‐end capping, splicing and 3′‐end processing. These processing events were historically studied independently; however, since the early 1990s tremendous efforts by many research groups have revealed that these processing factors interact with each other to control each other's functions. U1 snRNP and its components negatively regulate polyadenylation of precursor mRNAs. Importantly, this function is necessary for protecting the integrity of the transcriptome and for regulating gene length and the direction of transcription. In addition, physical and functional interactions occur between splicing factors and 3′‐end processing factors across the last exon. These interactions activate or inhibit splicing and 3′‐end processing depending on the context. Therefore, splicing and 3′‐end processing are reciprocally regulated in many ways through the complex protein–protein interaction network. Although interesting questions remain, future studies will illuminate the molecular mechanisms underlying the reciprocal regulation. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:499–511. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1348 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.