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Ribozymes

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...

Ribozymes

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...

Riboswitches

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...

Types of RNA

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...

Types of RNA

Types of RNA

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 regulating 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 Performs Diverse...

Translational Regulation

Translational Regulation

Translational regulation in prokaryotes ensures efficient protein synthesis by controlling ribosome access to mRNA. This regulation is mediated by secondary RNA structures, including translational riboswitches, RNA thermometers, and small RNAs (sRNAs), which respond to intracellular and environmental signals to modulate gene expression.Translational RiboswitchesRiboswitches in the leader region of mRNAs can regulate translation by altering the accessibility of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Aptamer-Based Target Detection Facilitated by a 3-Stage G-Quadruplex Isothermal Exponential Amplification Reaction

Aptamer-Based Target Detection Facilitated by a 3-Stage G-Quadruplex Isothermal Exponential Amplification Reaction

Published on: October 6, 2022

An allosteric self-splicing ribozyme triggered by a bacterial second messenger.

Elaine R Lee¹, Jenny L Baker², Zasha Weinberg^1,3

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

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|August 14, 2010

Summary

This study reveals a group I ribozyme regulated by cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) in Clostridium difficile. This ribozyme acts as a metabolite sensor, modulating gene expression through alternative RNA processing.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Aptamer-Based Target Detection Facilitated by a 3-Stage G-Quadruplex Isothermal Exponential Amplification Reaction

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Published on: October 6, 2022

Measurement of Specific Mycobacterial Mistranslation Rates with Gain-of-function Reporter Systems

Measurement of Specific Mycobacterial Mistranslation Rates with Gain-of-function Reporter Systems

Published on: April 26, 2019

RIBO-seq in Bacteria: a Sample Collection and Library Preparation Protocol for NGS Sequencing

RIBO-seq in Bacteria: a Sample Collection and Library Preparation Protocol for NGS Sequencing

Published on: August 7, 2021

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
RNA Biology
Bacterial Genetics

Background:

Group I self-splicing ribozymes are typically found in mobile genetic elements.
Their function is usually independent of cellular metabolites.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of Group I ribozymes in pathogenic bacteria.
To identify novel functions of ribozymes beyond their role in mobile genetic elements.

Main Methods:

Identification and characterization of a novel allosteric Group I ribozyme.
Analysis of RNA structure and function in response to cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP).
Investigation of RNA processing and gene regulation in Clostridium difficile.

Main Results:

An allosteric Group I ribozyme was identified, regulated by the bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP.
This ribozyme is part of a tandem RNA sensory system in the 5' untranslated region of a putative virulence gene.
c-di-GMP binding alters ribozyme conformation, modulating alternative RNA processing at atypical splice sites.

Conclusions:

Group I ribozymes can function as cellular metabolite sensors, not solely as selfish genetic elements.
This ribozyme acts as a genetic regulator, linking c-di-GMP levels to virulence gene expression in Clostridium difficile.
The findings reveal a novel mechanism for RNA-based regulation in bacteria.