In eukaryotes, gene expression is achieved by four steps: transcription, processing, nuclear export, and translation. Each step requires multiple factors, and frequently two or more pathways are used by a single gene, enabling strictly regulated gene expression. Importantly, eukaryotes, taking advantage of the separated structures of the nucleus and the cytoplasm, have evolved complex and organized mRNA processing mechanisms that permit sophisticated biological activity. The processes are much more complicated than those found in prokaryotes, in which transcription and translation occur linearly in time and place. Here, we review gene expression, focusing on mRNA processing in the nucleus and the gene regulatory systems found at each step. Combination of gene regulation shows the typical phenotype in each cell. Further understanding of the uncertain mechanisms will uncover the gene regulation through mRNA expression.
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