Date Time There’s More Than One Way to Splice a Gene UConn researchers are investigating how alternative splicing plays a key role in inflammation, a key part of the immune response. RNA alternative splicing Inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to injury or infection. It helps eliminate the cause of cell injury, clear away dead cells, and initiate tissue repair. While inflammation is generally beneficial, if left unchecked, it can damage key systems, including the cardiovascular system. When the inflammatory response goes awry, it can contribute to vascular lesions. These lesions play a role in aneurysm, seizure, stroke, atherosclerosis, and other diseases.