The RNA world meets behavior: A-->I pre-mRNA editing in animals

Abstract

Speculations on the genetic component of animal behavior have been fueled primarily by single-gene mutations that affect specific behaviors in model organisms. Pre-mRNA editing by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) provides an additional mechanism for introducing protein diversity and has primarily been observed in signaling components of the nervous system. Two recent reports of mutant mice and Drosophila deficient in ADAR activities provide further evidence that pre-mRNA editing has an ancient and primary role in the evolution of nervous system function and behavior.