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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...
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...
Translational Regulation01:29

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,...
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...
Types of RNA01:20

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...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...

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Nanomanipulation of Single RNA Molecules by Optical Tweezers
06:59

Nanomanipulation of Single RNA Molecules by Optical Tweezers

Published on: August 20, 2014

Gene regulation by riboswitches with and without negative feedback loop.

Jong-Chin Lin1, D Thirumalai

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biophysics Program, Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA. jclin@umd.edu

Biophysical Journal
|January 4, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Riboswitches control gene expression by binding metabolites. A kinetic model reveals efficient function depends on transcription speed, aptamer folding rates, and metabolite binding, with negative feedback enhancing regulation.

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Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Nanomanipulation of Single RNA Molecules by Optical Tweezers
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Published on: August 20, 2014

MS2-Affinity Purification Coupled with RNA Sequencing in Gram-Positive Bacteria
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Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome
07:23

Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome

Published on: June 15, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Systems Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Riboswitches are RNA elements regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • They bind specific small molecules (metabolites) to modulate their function.
  • Understanding riboswitch dynamics is crucial for systems-level gene regulation insights.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a kinetic network model for riboswitch function.
  • To analyze the systems-level behavior of riboswitches.
  • To investigate the impact of negative feedback on gene expression regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a kinetic network model for riboswitches.
  • Utilized experimental data from flavin mononucleotide (FMN) riboswitches.
  • Simulated gene expression under varying kinetic parameters and feedback conditions.

Main Results:

  • Efficient riboswitch function requires a balance between transcription speed, aptamer folding/unfolding rates, and metabolite binding rates.
  • Negative feedback significantly suppresses gene expression (up to 10-fold).
  • Negative feedback accelerates response time and dampens steady-state concentration changes.

Conclusions:

  • A kinetic network model accurately describes riboswitch systems-level function.
  • Parameter balance is key for achieving a large dynamic range in riboswitch regulation.
  • Negative feedback provides a robust mechanism for fine-tuning gene expression and response dynamics.