Group I introns: Structure, splicing and their applications in medical mycology
Ronald Muryellison Oliveira da Silva Gomes, Kássia Jéssica Galdino da Silva, Raquel Cordeiro Theodoro
Abstract
Group I introns are small RNAs (250-500 nt) capable of catalyzing their own splicing from the precursor RNA. They are widely distributed across the tree of life and have intricate relationships with their host genomes. In this work, we review its basic structure, self-splicing and its mechanisms of gene mobility. As they are widely found in unicellular eukaryotes, especially fungi, we gathered information regarding their possible impact on the physiology of fungal cells and the possible application of these introns in medical mycology.
Topics & Concepts
BiologyRNA splicingIntronGroup I catalytic intronGroup II intronGeneComputational biologyGenomeRNAGeneticsAlternative splicingMycologyExonBotanyRNA and protein synthesis mechanismsBacteriophages and microbial interactionsPlant and Fungal Interactions Research