An overview of RNAs with regulatory functions in gram-positive bacteria.

Pascale Romby (1) , Emmanuelle Charpentier (2)

1 ARN - Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN
2 Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna

During the last decade, RNA molecules with regulatory functions on gene expression have benefited from a renewed interest. In bacteria, recent high throughput computational and experimental approaches have led to the discovery that 10-20% of all genes code for RNAs with critical regulatory roles in metabolic, physiological and pathogenic processes. The trans-acting RNAs comprise the noncoding RNAs, RNAs with a short open reading frame and antisense RNAs. Many of these RNAs act through binding to their target mRNAs while others modulate protein activity or target DNA. The cis-acting RNAs include regulatory regions of mRNAs that can respond to various signals. These RNAs often provide the missing link between sensing changing conditions in the environment and fine-tuning the subsequent biological responses. Information on their various functions and modes of action has been well documented for gram-negative bacteria. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of regulatory RNAs in gram-positive bacteria.

Domaines: Biochimie, Biologie Moléculaire

Pascale Romby, Emmanuelle Charpentier. An overview of RNAs with regulatory functions in gram-positive bacteria.. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 2010, 67 (2), pp.217-37. ⟨10.1007/s00018-009-0162-8⟩. ⟨hal-00530344⟩