A Zebrafish Mutant Results in Developmental Defects in the Central Nervous System.

The spliceosome consists of accessory proteins and small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) that remove introns from RNA. As splicing defects are associated with degenerative conditions, a better understanding of spliceosome formation and function is essential. We provide insight into the role of a spliceosome protein U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP-associated protein 1, or Squamous cell carcinoma antigen recognized by T-cells (Sart1). Sart1 recruits the U4.U6/U5 tri-snRNP complex to nuclear RNA. The complex then associates with U1 and U2 snRNPs to form the spliceosome. A forward genetic screen identifying defects in choroid plexus development and whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified a point mutation in exon 12 of in (zebrafish). This mutation caused an up-regulation of . Using RNA-Seq analysis, we identified additional upregulated genes, including those involved in apoptosis. We also observed increased activated in the brain and eye and down-regulation of vision-related genes. Although splicing occurs in numerous cells types, expression in zebrafish was restricted to the brain. By identifying expression in the brain and cell death within the central nervous system (CNS), we provide additional insights into the role of in specific tissues. We also characterized 's involvement in cell death and vision-related pathways.