Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Fluorescence-based Method to Study Bacterial Gene Regulation in Infected Tissues
Published on: February 19, 2019
Carba-sugars activate the glmS-riboswitch of Staphylococcus aureus
Abstract:
The glmS-riboswitch is unique among riboswitch families as it represents a metabolite-dependent ribozyme that undergoes self-cleavage upon recognition of glucosamin-6-phosphate. The glmS-riboswitch is located in the 5'-untranslated region of bacterial genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis. Therefore, this riboswitch represents a promising target for developing new antibiotics. We describe the metabolite-dependent glmS-riboswitch of pathologically relevant and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the discovery and synthesis of a carba-sugar with potency similar to that of the native metabolite glucosamine-6-phosphate in modulating riboswitch activity. This compound represents a valuable lead structure for the development of antibiotics with a novel mode of action.
Related Concept Videos
Riboswitches
The aptamer has high specificity for a particular metabolite which allows riboswitches to specifically regulate...
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 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...
Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides
Global Regulatory Systems
Operons
Inducible Operons: lac Operon

