Ribonucleases, antisense RNAs and the control of bacterial plasmids

Plasmid. 2015 Mar:78:26-36. doi: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2014.09.003. Epub 2014 Sep 28.

Abstract

In the last decade regulatory RNAs have emerged as powerful tools to regulate the expression of genes both in prokaryotes and in eukaryotes. RNases, by degrading these RNA molecules, control the right amount of regulatory RNAs, which is fundamental for an accurate regulation of gene expression in the cell. Remarkably the first antisense RNAs identified were plasmid-encoded and their detailed study was crucial for the understanding of prokaryotic antisense RNAs. In this review we highlight the role of RNases in the precise modulation of antisense RNAs that control plasmid replication, maintenance and transfer.

Keywords: Antisense RNA; Conjugation; Copy-number; Replication; sRNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Bacterial Toxins / genetics
  • Conjugation, Genetic
  • DNA Replication
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / genetics
  • F Factor / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial*
  • Pheromones / metabolism
  • Plasmids / genetics*
  • RNA, Antisense* / genetics
  • RNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Ribonucleases / genetics
  • Ribonucleases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Hok protein, E coli
  • Pheromones
  • RNA, Antisense
  • RNA, Bacterial
  • ROM protein, Bacteria
  • Ribonucleases