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Related Experiment Videos

An mRNA structure that controls gene expression by binding S-adenosylmethionine.

Wade C Winkler1, Ali Nahvi, Narasimhan Sudarsan

  • 1Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, PO Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA.

Nature Structural Biology
|August 12, 2003
PubMed
Summary

This study identifies a conserved bacterial RNA domain acting as a riboswitch for S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). This SAM riboswitch allosterically regulates gene expression in Bacillus subtilis, highlighting metabolite-mRNA interactions in bacterial genetic control.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • RNA Biology
  • Bacterial Genetics

Background:

  • Riboswitches are RNA molecules that bind metabolites to regulate gene expression.
  • These genetic control elements are found across all kingdoms of life.
  • They typically control genes involved in the metabolism of the bound metabolite.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel riboswitch responsive to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).
  • To investigate the mechanism of SAM-mediated gene regulation in bacteria.
  • To assess the prevalence and significance of metabolite-responsive riboswitches.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis to identify conserved RNA domains.
  • Biochemical assays to confirm S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) binding.

Related Experiment Videos

  • In vivo studies in Bacillus subtilis to analyze gene expression changes.

    • Main Results:

    • A conserved bacterial RNA domain functions as a high-affinity, specific S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) riboswitch.
    • SAM binding induces structural changes in the riboswitch, leading to allosteric gene regulation.
    • Expression of 26 genes in Bacillus subtilis is regulated by this SAM riboswitch.

    Conclusions:

    • Direct metabolite-RNA interactions represent a significant mechanism for genetic regulation in bacteria.
    • The identified SAM riboswitch is a key player in controlling genes related to SAM metabolism.
    • This discovery expands our understanding of RNA-based genetic control in prokaryotes.