NOVA1 is a neuron-specific splicing factor that binds pre-mRNA sequence UCAUY []. It plays a role in alternative splicing of dopamine D2 receptor pre-mRNA []and GnRH pre-mRNA [].Nova proteins, including Nova-1 and Nova-2, are implicated in paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia (POMA) syndrome. They were the first mammalian neuron-specific splicing factors identified. Nova-1 is expressed in the subcortical CNS structures in developing and adult mice, while Nova-2 is expressed throughout the CNS and particularly in cortex, olfactory bulb, thalamus, inferior colliculus, etc. They harbour three K-homology (KH) motifs that mediate Nova binding to clusters of YCAY motifs on target pre-mRNAs [, ].
