First Identification of RNA-Binding Proteins That Regulate Alternative Exons in the Dystrophin Gene
, Anne-Laure Bougé 1,†, Eva Murauer 1, Emmanuelle Beyne 1, Dylan Da Cunha 1, Mireille Claustres 1, Michel Koenig 1,2 and Sylvie Tuffery-Giraud 1,*Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The manuscript describes the identification of RNA binding proteins involved in the regulation of the dystrophin gene, and more precisely in the regulation of alternative splicing of the exons 71 and 78. The manuscript is well written and organized, the procedures are clearly described, and results well described.
A minor comment concerns the figure 1a. The resolution of the images seems too low; scale bars should be added in the two images; in the caption should be added the features of the lasers (wave lenght).
The topic is consistent with the aims of the journal and I suggest the publication in IJMS.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 1 Comments
We are grateful to the reviewer for the positive comments on our manuscript.
Point 1: In Fig.1a, the resolution of the images seems too low; scale bars should be added in the two images.
Response 1: New images with better resolution and showing the scale bars have been included in Fig. 1a.
Point 2: In Fig.1a, in the caption should be added the features of the lasers (wave lenght).
Response 2: The requested wavelength information has been added to the legend of Fig. 1a as well as information about the secondary antibody used (Cy3-labeled).
Reviewer 2 Report
The manuscript by Miro et al addresses the effect of altered levels of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) on the regulation of alternative exons of dystrophin. The Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene is transcribed as a very long transcript that undergoes different splicing regulation depending on the organ. In addition, alternative splicing leads to different isoforms as a function of the tissue.
The authors report the results of RNAi screening targeting 16 different RBPs on the exon inclusion of DMD in a muscular cell line. RBPs were selected according to previous knowledge of these factors in splicing regulation. The authors identified several responsive exons (particularly 71 and 78) to changes in the level of expression of specific RBPs. The proteins inducing the largest changes in DMD exon inclusion are QK1 and the helicase DDX5/DDX17. Overall, the quality of the data is good. The manuscript is well written, and the conclusions are supported by the results.
Author Response
Response to reviewer 2
We are grateful to the reviewer for the positive comments on our manuscript.
