Chimeras taking shape: Potential functions of proteins encoded by chimeric RNA transcripts

• DOI: 10.1101/gr.130062.111
• Publication Date: 2012-05-17T13:22:19Z
• Authors: Milana Frenkel-Mo...; Vincent Lacroix; Iakes Ezkurdia; Yishai Levin; Alexandra Gabashvili; Jaime Prilusky; Angela del Pozo; Michael Tress; Rory Johnson; Roderic Guigo; Alfonso Valencia
• Keywords: Chimeric gene; Chimera (genetics)

Chimeric RNAs comprise exons from two or more different genes and have the potential to encode novel proteins that alter cellular phenotypes. To date, numerous putative chimeric transcripts been identified among ESTs isolated several organisms using high throughput RNA sequencing. The few corresponding protein products characterized mostly result chromosomal translocations are associated with cancer. Here, we systematically establish some of genuinely expressed in human cells. Using sequencing, mass spectrometry experimental data, functional annotation, studied 7424 RNAs. We confirmed expression 175 16 tissues, an abundance varying 0.06 17 RPKM ( R eads P er K ilobase per M illion mapped reads). show these significantly tissue-specific than non-chimeric transcripts. Moreover, present evidence chimeras tend incorporate highly genes. Despite low level most RNAs, 12 translated into detectable multiple shotgun experiments. Furthermore, confirm three targeted spectrometry. Finally, based on our annotation exon organization preserved domains, discuss features illustrative examples suggest exploit signal peptides transmembrane which can localization cognate proteins. Taken together, findings potentially humans.