Regulation of gene expression by small non-coding RNAs: a quantitative view.

ABSTRACT: The importance of post-transcriptional regulation by small non-coding RNAs has recently been recognized in both pro- and eukaryotes. Small RNAs (sRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by base pairing with the mRNA. Here we use dynamical simulations to characterize this regulation mode in comparison to transcriptional regulation mediated by protein-DNA interaction and to post-translational regulation achieved by protein-protein interaction. We show quantitatively that regulation by sRNA is advantageous when fast responses to external signals are needed, consistent with experimental data about its involvement in stress responses. Our analysis indicates that the half-life of the sRNA-mRNA complex and the ratio of their production rates determine the steady-state level of the t

SUBMITTER: Shimoni Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2013925 | biostudies-literature | 2007

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature