ABSTRACT
Next-generation sequencing is allowing an exhaustive exploration of the complexity of the human transcriptome through RNA-Seqtechnologies. The field of alternative splicing is booming especially in disease models. This chapter presents a broad introduction to the field of alternative splicing giving a special emphasis in its impact in cancer research. SR proteins are one of the most important splicing factors, and they can function both as splicing enhancers or silencers by interfering with the spliceosome assembly. Alterations in SR proteins expression in tumorigenesis clearly affect alternative splicing. Fibroblast growth factor receptors have been detected in normal and malignant cells and have a crucial role in cell differentiation and development. Short anti senseoligonucleotides complementary to regions from target pre-mRNAs are being used to interfere in disease processes. It can degrade the target mRNA, as like promote exon inclusion or skipping by blocking splice-sites, enhancers or suppressors.
