This book examines the available information on the structure of the RNA binding STAR domain and provides insights into how these proteins discriminate between different RNA targets. It reviews what is known about STAR proteins and human disease.

Talila Volk is an associate professor in the field of Developmental Biology and the incumbent of the Sir Ernest B. Chain Professional Chair. Her major research interest is in tissue morphogenesis and organogenesis during embryonic development. She has been studying the function and activity of the STAR family member Held Out Wing (HOW) in the fruit fly Drosophila since 1999. She served as the chair for the Society of Developmental Biology in Israel (ISDB). Dr. Volk has gained her BSc from Tel¿Aviv University, and her MSc and PhD degrees from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
Karen Artzt is an Ashbel Smith Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Austin where she directed a research laboratory for 20 years. There she was a member of the Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. Prior to that she was an associate Member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Her main research interests include developmental genetics with an emphasis on cancer biology. In collaboration with Tom Ebersole she identified and cloned the mouse gene quaking that was one of the founding members of the STAR family. Dr. Artzt received her academic degrees from Cornell university; a BA from the Ithaca campus and a PhD from the Medical College School of Graduate Sciences in New York City. In 1972 she spent a year as a postdoctoral fellow at the Pasteur Institute in Paris under the direction of the Nobel Prize winner, Francois Jacob.

1. STAR TREK: An Introduction to STAR Family Proteins and Review of QKI
Karen Artzt and Jiang I. Wu
Abstract
History of the STAR Family
The Domain Structure and Alternate Splicing of STAR Proteins
STAR Proteins Have a Multitude of Developmental Functions
Diverse Molecular Functions of STAR Proteins in RNA Processing
Qk Expression in the Adult Nervous System and Disease
Qk 3? UTR Conservation and a High Theoretical Number of miRNA Binding Sites
Discussion and Conclusion
Future Applications, New Research, Anticipated Developments
2. THE STAR FAMILY MEMBER: QUAKING (QKI) AND CEL SIGNALING
Yue Feng and Andrew Bankston
Abstract
Introduction
QKI Is Essential for Embryonic and Postnatal Development
Phosphorylation of QKI Isoforms by Src?PTKS Regulates the Cellular Fate of QKI mRNA Targets at Multiple Post?Transcriptional Steps
Numerous Extracellular Signals Can Be Linked to the Src?PTK?QKI Pathway
Potential Role of QKI And Src?PTK Signaling in Tumorigenesis and Cognitive Diseases
Conclusion
3. INSIGHTS INTO THE STRUCTURAL BASIS OF RNA RECOGNITION BY STAR DOMAIN PROTEINS
Sean P. Ryder and Francesca Massi
Abstract
Introduction
The STAR Domain
RNA Recognition By STAR Proteins
Star Domain Structure
Conclusion
Note Added in Proof
4. Post?translat ional Regulat ion of STAR Proteins and Effects on Their Biological Functions
Claudio Sette
Abstract
Introduction
Sam68: A Brief Overview
Regulation of Sam68 Functions by Tyrosine Phosphorylation
Regulation of Sam68 Functions by Serine/Threonine Phosphorylation
Regulation of Sam68 Functions by Methylation
Regulation of Sam68 Functions by Acetylation and Sumoylation
Post?Translational Modifications of SLM?1 and SLM?2
Post?Translational Modifications of the QKI Proteins
Post?Translational Modifications of SF1
Conclusion
5. EXPRESSION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE star PROTEINS Sam68 AND t?star IN MAMMALIAN SPERMATOGENESIS
Ingrid Ehrmann and David J. Elliott
Abstract
Gene Expression Control in Spermatogenesis
Expression ofSTAR Proteins during Spermatogenesis
Protein Structure and Modifications
Mouse Knockout Models Define the Roles of STAR Proteins in Testis Function
The STAR Protein Sam68 Is Involved in Translational Control in Spermatogenesis
STAR Proteins Might Play Roles in Pre?mRNA Splicing Control in Spermatogenesis
Other Potential Roles of STAR Proteins in Spermatogenesis
Conclusion
6. The role of quaking in mammalian embryonic development
Monica J. Justice and Karen K. Hirschi
Abstract
Introduction
Quaking Is Required for the Formation of Embryonic Vasculature
QKI5 Regulates QKI6 and QKI7 in Visceral Endoderm
Molecular Basis of Blood Vessel Formation
Quaking Is Required for Visceral Endoderm Differentiated Function
Other Possible Roles for Quaking in Cardiovascular Development
The Evolving Roles of Quaking Function
Conclusion
7. Drosophila STAR Proteins: What Can Be Learned from Flies?
Talila Volk
Abstract
STAR Proteins in Drosophila
HOW Regulates Differentiation of Diverse Tissues
HOW and Kep1 Regulate Cell Division and Apoptosis in Drosophila
Conclusion
Note Added in Proof
8. C. ELEGANS STAR PROTEINS, GLD?1 AND ASD?2, REGULATE SPECIFIC RNA TARGETS TO CONTROL DEVELOPMENT
Min?Ho Lee and Tim Schedl
Abstract
Multiple Functions of GLD?1 in Germline Development
GLD?1 Molecular Analysis
mRNA Targets: GLD?1 Is a Translational Repressor
mRNA Targets: Further Insights into GLD?1 Function in Germline Development
mRNA Targets: Towards Defining the GLD?1 RNA Binding Motif and Mechanism of Translational Repression
How Is GLD?1 Expression Regulated?
ASD?2, Another C. elegans Star Protein, Functions in Alternative Splicing
Conclusion
9. THE BRANCHPOINT BINDING PROTEIN: In and Out of the Spliceosome Cycle
Brian C. Rymond
Abstract
Bbp and Sf1 Are Site?Specific Rna Binding Proteins
A Bbp?Mud2 Heterodimer Functions in Branchpoint Recognition
Bbp?Mud2 and the Dynamics of Early Spliceosome Assembly
Co?Transcriptional Pre?mRNA Splicing
But Is Bbp Really an