Abstract:
Alternative splicing (AS) is a method of increasing the number of proteins that
the genome is capable of coding for, by altering the pre-mRNA during its maturation. This
process provides the ability of a broad range of proteins to arise from a single gene. AS
events are known to occur in up to 94% of human genes. Cumulative data have shown that
aberrant AS functionality is a major factor in human diseases. This review focuses on the
contribution made by aberrant AS functionality in the development and progression of
esophageal cancer. The changes in the pattern of expression of alternately spliced isoforms
in esophageal cancer can be used as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Additionally, these
can be used as targets for the development of new treatments for esophageal cancer.
