All eukaryotic messenger RNAs are derived from precursors, the pre-mRNAs, by an extensive series of nuclear modifi cations. Most notably, the removal of introns and the joining of the remaining exons in the process of pre-mRNA splicing is essential to generate mRNAs that are suitable templates for translation. The vast majority of human pre-mRNAs undergo alternative splicing, in which different RNA parts are either included or omitted in the mature mRNA. This process allows individual genes to generate multiple proteins and makes alternative pre-mRNA splicing a central
element in gene regulation. Although pre-mRNA splicing occurs with high fi delity, an increasing number of diseases have been linked to defects that lead to mis-spliced mRNAs.
This book was written for graduate and medical students, as well as clinicians and postdoctoral researchers. It describes the theory of alternative pre-mRNA splicing in
twelve introductory chapters and then introduces protocols and their theoretical background relevant for experimental research. These 43 practical chapters cover: Basic methods, Detection of splicing events, Analysis of alternative pre-mRNA splicing in vitro and in vivo, Manipulation of splicing events, and Bioinformatic analysis of alternative splicing.
A theoretical introduction and practical guide for molecular biologists, geneticists,clinicians and every researcher interested in alternative splicing.

Stefan Stamm is Associate Professor in the Department for Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky. He studied Biochemistry in Hannover (Germany) and did the practical work for his PhD as well as postdoctoral work at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY. His research focuses on mechanisms and regulation of alternative splicing, with
the aim to apply the fi ndings to the Prader-Willi Syndrome and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Chris Smith is Professor of RNA Molecular Biology in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge. His PhD research in Biochemistry was carried out at the University of London, followed by postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School. His research interests encompass the mechanisms, regulation and function of alternative splicing.

Reinhard Luhrmann is Director at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Gottingen where he is head of the Department of Cellular Biochemistry. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of Gottingen. He has studied chemistry at the University of Munster where he also received his PhD. He worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Max Planck Institute
for Molecular Genetics in Berlin. His research focuses on the structure and mechanism of the spliceosome.