A Prophage-Encoded Small RNA Controls Metabolism and Cell Division in Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT: Hundreds of small RNAs (sRNAs) have been identified in diverse bacterial species, and while the functions of most remain unknown, some regulate key processes, particularly stress responses. The sRNA DicF was identified over 25 years ago as an inhibitor of cell division but since then has remained uncharacterized. DicF consists of 53 nucleotides and is encoded by a gene carried on a prophage (Qin) in the genomes of many Escherichia coli strains. We demonstrated that DicF inhibits cell division via direct base pairing with ftsZ mRNA to repress translation and prevent new synthesis of the bacterial tubulin homolog FtsZ. Systems analysis using computational and experimental methods identified additional mRNA targets of DicF: xylR and pykA mRNAs, encoding the

SUBMITTER: Balasubramanian D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5069750 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature