RNase R vs. PNPase: selecting the best-suited exoribonuclease for environmental adaptation

Extremophiles. 2024 Jul 25;28(3):35. doi: 10.1007/s00792-024-01350-6.

Abstract

3' → 5' exoribonucleases play a critical role in many aspects of RNA metabolism. RNase R, PNPase, and RNase II are the major contributors to RNA processing, maturation, and quality control in bacteria. Bacteria don't seem to have dedicated RNA degradation machineries to process different classes of RNAs. Under different environmental and physiological conditions, their roles can be redundant and sometimes overlapping. Here, I discuss why PNPase and RNase R may have switched their physiological roles in some bacterial species to adapt to environmental conditions, despite being biochemically distinct exoribonucleases.

Keywords: Environmental adaptation; Exoribonuclease; Low temperature; PNPase; RNA degradation; RNA helicase; RNase R.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Exoribonucleases* / genetics
  • Exoribonucleases* / metabolism

Substances

  • Exoribonucleases
  • ribonuclease R
  • Bacterial Proteins