ABSTRACT
Alternative splicing (AS) is the process by which multiple mature mRNA sequences can be generated from the same precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) upon the differential joining of exonic sequences limited by 5' and 3' splice sites. Through splicing mechanisms exons can be extended or shortened, skipped or included, and intronic sequences may even be retained in the mRNA sequences. AS is one of the most important sources of protein diversity in vertebrates, and at least half of human genes are alternatively spliced [1-3]. AS has been shown to be very relevant in a variety of human diseases, including cancer, and there is increasing interest in the use of AS in developing diagnostic tools and identifying new therapeutic targets [4-7].
