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Related Concept Videos

Riboswitches01:56

Riboswitches

Riboswitches are non-coding mRNA domains that regulate the transcription and translation of downstream genes without the help of proteins. Riboswitches bind directly to a metabolite and can form unique stem-loop or hairpin structures in response to the amount of the metabolite present. They have two distinct regions – a metabolite-binding aptamer and an expression platform.
The aptamer has high specificity for a particular metabolite which allows riboswitches to specifically regulate...
Biofilms01:29

Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
Transcriptional Regulation: Riboswitches01:23

Transcriptional Regulation: Riboswitches

Riboswitches are RNA elements that regulate gene expression by altering their secondary structures in response to specific effector molecules. These elements, located in the leader regions of certain mRNAs, act as transcriptional regulators by toggling between alternative conformations to control downstream gene expression. Riboswitch-mediated regulation is a precise mechanism for modulating biosynthetic pathways, as exemplified by the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway in Bacillus...
Types of RNA01:23

Types of RNA

Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Transcription Attenuation in Prokaryotes02:42

Transcription Attenuation in Prokaryotes

Transcriptional attenuation occurs when RNA transcription is prematurely terminated due to the formation of a terminator mRNA hairpin structure.  Bacteria use these hairpins to regulate the transcription process and control the synthesis of several amino acids including histidine, lysine, threonine, and phenylalanine. Transcription attenuation takes place in the non-coding regions of mRNA.
There are several different mechanisms used to attenuate transcription. In ribosome mediated...
Ribozymes02:47

Ribozymes

The term ribozyme is used for RNA that can act as an enzyme. Ribozymes are mainly found in selected viruses, bacteria, plant organelles, and lower eukaryotes. Ribozymes were first discovered in 1982 when Tom Cech’s laboratory observed Group I introns acting as enzymes. This was shortly followed by the discovery of another ribozyme, Ribonulcease P, by Sid Altman’s laboratory. Both Cech and Altman received the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1989 for their work on ribozymes.
Ribozymes can be...

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A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries
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Published on: December 27, 2016

A processive riboantiterminator seeks a switch to make biofilms.

Irina Artsimovitch1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and The RNA Group, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. artsimovitch.1@osu.edu

Molecular Microbiology
|April 14, 2010
PubMed
Summary

A novel Bacillus subtilis riboregulator, EAR, acts as a long-range antiterminator, enhancing exopolysaccharide gene expression and biofilm formation. This discovery reveals a unique RNA-based mechanism distinct from previously known riboswitches.

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Methodologies for Studying B. subtilis Biofilms as a Model for Characterizing Small Molecule Biofilm Inhibitors

Published on: October 9, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Bacterial Genetics
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • Riboswitches are cis-acting riboregulators that control gene expression by altering RNA structure upon metabolite binding.
  • Known riboswitches primarily utilize short-range mechanisms in Gram-positive bacteria to regulate transcription, translation, and mRNA cleavage.
  • The discovery of signal-sensing RNA structures has expanded our understanding of gene regulation.

Discussion:

  • Irnov and Winkler describe a novel Bacillus subtilis riboregulator, EAR, with a unique mechanism of action.
  • EAR functions as a processive, long-range antiterminator, increasing exopolysaccharide gene expression and biofilm formation.
  • This represents the first identified long-range antiterminator of its kind outside of Escherichia coli.

Key Insights:

  • EAR exhibits structural complexity similar to riboswitches but employs a distinct regulatory mechanism.
  • The novel riboregulator enhances biofilm formation and exopolysaccharide production in Bacillus subtilis.
  • Its action appears to depend on auxiliary factors, suggesting a complex regulatory network.

Outlook:

  • Further research is needed to identify the specific signal sensed by EAR and any auxiliary factors involved.
  • Investigating EAR's mechanism provides insights into diverse RNA-based gene regulation strategies.
  • Comparing EAR with protein-based antiterminators in other bacteria (e.g., E. coli, B. fragilis) can illuminate evolutionary pathways of gene regulation.