[Phosphorylation of serine-arginine rich proteins--pleiotropic effect of one type posttranslational modification].

SR proteins are components of the spliceosome, a dynamic complex catalysing removal of pre-mRNA introns during splicing reaction. Recent studies have shown additional functions for SR proteins in mRNA transport and translation. Several protein kinases have been identified that can phosphorylate SR proteins. Phosphorylation is a common posttranslational modification among proteins. However in the case of SR proteins it has got a special meaning. Phosphorylation of serine residues clustered in a narrow area of RS domains affects all aspects of SR proteins functions. It influences subcellular localization and determines process in which the proteins take part.