In genetics, gene isoforms are mRNAs that are produced from the same locus but are different in their transcription start sites (TSSs), protein coding DNA sequences (CDSs) and/or untranslated regions (UTRs), potentially altering gene function.
[2] Isoforms harboring changes in the CDS have been the most thoroughly characterized because they commonly give rise to proteins with different functional properties.
UTRs are often the target of miRNA, which typically downregulate transcript expression by triggering degradation or halting translation.
[8] Phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten) is originally identified as a tumor suppressor gene.
[9] Recent studies found that Pten also suppressed axon regeneration in retinal ganglion cells, corticospinal tract, and DRG neurons.