Role of the unconventional UBL Hub1 in pre-mRNA splicing

Abstract

Pre-mRNA splicing by the spliceosome is one of the steps where regulation of gene expression occurs. Various ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) have been shown to regulate pre-mRNA splicing. The UBL Hub1 is known to play a role in alternative splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae through its well-known surfaces. This study shows that the recently identified novel surface of Hub1 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe plays a significant role in cell growth and splicing. The various approaches of bioinformatic analysis, genetics and splicing assays suggest a possible link between Hub1 and transcription. This study also shows that Hub1 selectively modifies the spliceosome and that it might play a role in the transition of the spliceosome. Therefore, this study addresses the mechanism and function of Hub1 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.