Broadening the Definition of Bacterial Small RNAs: Characteristics and Mechanisms of Action

Annu Rev Microbiol. 2018 Sep 8:72:141-161. doi: 10.1146/annurev-micro-090817-062607.

Abstract

The first report of trans-acting RNA-based regulation in bacterial cells dates back to 1984. Subsequent studies in diverse bacteria unraveled shared properties of trans-acting small regulatory RNAs, forming a clear definition of these molecules. These shared characteristics have been used extensively to identify new small RNAs (sRNAs) and their interactomes. Recently however, emerging technologies able to resolve RNA-RNA interactions have identified new types of regulatory RNAs. In this review, we present a broader definition of trans-acting sRNA regulators and discuss their newly discovered intrinsic characteristics.

Keywords: RNA sequencing; definition of sRNAs; emerging technologies; regulatory mechanisms; sRNA; sRNA characteristics; small RNA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / genetics*
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial*
  • RNA, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • RNA, Small Untranslated / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Small Untranslated

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