A mechanism for RNA–RNA splicing and a model for the control of gene expression

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Abstract
SUMMARY: A mechanism for RNA–RNA splicing is proposed. A species of RNA (‘splicer’ RNA) hybridizes to precursor mRNA across the splice point. This hybridization can be with intron or exon sequences or both. The double-stranded RNA structure precisely indicates to the splicing enzymes the exact location for exon ligation.A model for the control of gene expression is presented. The regulation of synthesis of different splicer RNAs will also control which precursor mRNA molecules are spliced. The removal of intervening sequences from a precursor mRNA molecule could be both a signal for that molecule to be transported to the cytoplasm and a means of allowing gene expression.