Consider the CT/CGRP example of alternative splicing shown in Figure 16.9. Which different types of alternative splicing patterns are represented?

Alternative splicing is a process during gene expression where a single pre-mRNA transcript can be spliced in multiple ways to produce different mature mRNA variants. This allows one gene to encode multiple protein isoforms, increasing proteomic diversity without increasing gene number.

There are several common patterns of alternative splicing, including exon skipping, mutually exclusive exons, alternative 5' splice sites, alternative 3' splice sites, and intron retention. Each pattern alters the mRNA sequence differently, affecting the resulting protein structure and function.

The CT/CGRP gene is a classic example illustrating alternative splicing, where different splicing patterns produce distinct peptides—calcitonin (CT) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Understanding this example helps clarify how alternative splicing regulates tissue-specific protein expression.