SRrp86 is an 86-kDa member of the SR protein superfamily that
is unique in that it can alter splice site selection by regulating
the activity of other SR proteins. To study the function of
SRrp86, inducible cell lines were created in which the
concentration of SRrp86 could be varied and its effects on
alternative splicing determined. Here, we show that SRrp86 can
activate SRp20 and repress SC35 in a dose-dependent manner both
in vitro and in vivo. These effects are apparently mediated
through direct protein–protein interaction, as pull-down
assays showed that SRrp86 interacts with both SRp20 and SC35.
Consistent with the hypothesis that relatively modest changes
in the concentration or activity of one or more splicing factors
can combinatorially regulate overall splicing, protein expression
patterns of SRrp86, SRp20, and SC35 reveal that each tissue
maintains a unique ratio of these factors. Regulation of SR
protein activity, coupled with regulated protein expression,
suggest that SRrp86 may play a crucial role in determining tissue
specific patterns of alternative splicing.