Transcriptome profiling methods reveal mRNA processing events

mRNA processing events introduce an intricate layer of complexity into gene expression processes, supporting a tremendous level of diversification of the genome’s coding and regulatory potential, particularly in vertebrate species. The recent development of massive parallel sequencing methods and their adaptation to the identification and quantification of different RNA species and the dynamics of mRNA metabolism and processing has generated an unprecedented view over the regulatory networks that are established at this level, which contribute to sustain developmental, tissue specific or disease specific gene expression programs. University of Lisbon researchers discuss the recent evolution of transcriptome profiling methods and the surprising insights that have emerged in recent years regarding distinct mRNA processing events – from the 5′ end to the 3′ end of the molecule.