ARS | Publication request: MULTIPLE TRANSCRIPT INITIATION AS A MECHANISM FOR REGULATING GENE EXPRESSION

Submitted to: Regulation of Gene Expression in Plants: The Role of Transcript Structure and Processing
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: September 14, 2006
Publication Date: February 7, 2007
Citation: Farrell, Jr., R., Bassett, C.L. 2007. Multiple transcript initiation as a mechanism for regulating gene expression. In: Bassett, C.L., editor. Regulation of Gene Expression in Plants: The Role of Transcript Structure and Processing. New York, NY: Springer Life Sciences. p. 39-66.

Technical Abstract: Compared to mammalian gene expression, little is known about the regulation of genes in plants. Although, there are numerous similarities between plants and animals in the mechanism(s) of gene regulation, there are also some notable differences. The entire spectrum of the various levels of gene regulation in eukaryotic organisms is too broad to cover adequately in a single book. We have elected to focus on the mRNA itself as a source of gene expression control. Although, the importance of nuclear gene regulation is highlighted in this book, appropriate examples of mitochondrial and chloroplast gene regulation are included for comparison. The book includes chapters dealing with multiple transcript initiation sites, mRNA processing, the structure of the 3' untranslated region and poly(A) tail, and the recent discovery of the importance of small RNAs in transcript metabolism and expression. Where appropriate, these areas have been compared to similar studies in animals; however, the major emphasis is on how plants regulate gene expression. Information contained in each chapter reflects the most current research results set in the context of recent historical prospectives. This book will be invaluable in bringing researchers in related fields up-to-date on this topic and will be a useful reference for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.