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An evolutionarily conserved RNA stem-loop functions as a sensor that directs feedback regulation of RNase E gene
1Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.
Genes & Development
|May 19, 2000
Summary
RNase E autoregulation in E. coli is controlled by its mRNA's 5' UTR. A conserved stem-loop structure within this region senses RNase E levels, modulating mRNA degradation to regulate enzyme synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- RNase E is a crucial endonuclease regulating mRNA degradation in Escherichia coli.
- Its cellular concentration is controlled by a feedback loop where RNase E regulates its own synthesis.
- This autoregulation occurs via the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the rne mRNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the secondary structure of the rne 5' UTR.
- To identify the specific element within the 5' UTR responsible for autoregulation.
- To understand how this element senses and responds to RNase E activity.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic comparison of rne 5' UTR sequences.
- Chemical alkylation to probe RNA secondary structure.
- Dissection studies to map functional regulatory elements.
Main Results:
- The rne 5' UTR structure and function are conserved across evolution despite sequence divergence.
- Two cis-acting RNA secondary structure elements in the 5' UTR mediate feedback regulation.
- A highly conserved stem-loop with an internal loop acts as a sensor for cellular RNase E activity.
Conclusions:
- The identified stem-loop structure is critical for RNase E autoregulation.
- This structure modulates rne mRNA degradation rates in response to RNase E levels.
- RNase E autoregulation ensures precise control of its cellular concentration.
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