snRNP70

snRNP70, also known as U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein 70 kDa protein, is a protein component of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex. The U1 snRNP is a crucial component of the spliceosome, the large ribonucleoprotein complex responsible for pre-mRNA splicing in eukaryotic cells.

Specifically, snRNP70 is involved in the recognition of the 5' splice site during the early stages of spliceosome assembly. This recognition event is essential for accurately defining the exon-intron boundaries and ensuring proper removal of introns from pre-mRNA. The protein binds directly to RNA sequences near the 5' splice site through its RNA recognition motif (RRM).

The snRNP70 protein is encoded by the SNRNP70 gene. Mutations or dysregulation of snRNP70 expression have been implicated in various diseases, including autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In SLE, snRNP70 is a major autoantigen, meaning that the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks this protein. This autoimmune response contributes to the development of the disease's characteristic symptoms.

Further research continues to investigate the precise role of snRNP70 in splicing regulation and its involvement in disease pathogenesis.