Alternative Polyadenylation: Mechanisms and Consequences

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an RNA-processing mechanism that generates distinct 3ʹ termini on mRNAs and other RNA polymerase II transcripts. It is widespread across all eukaryotic species and is recognized as a major mechanism of gene regulation. APA exhibits tissue specificity and is important for cell proliferation and differentiation. In this seminar, I will discuss mechanisms at molecular and systems levels that have been implicated in APA regulation under cell differentiation and stress conditions. I will also present our recent data aimed at understanding the consequences of APA in modulation of gene expression and mRNA metabolism.