The ubiquitous yybP-ykoY riboswitch is a manganese-responsive regulatory element

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Riboswitches are cis-encoded RNA elements that regulate gene expression.
• The yybP-ykoY motif is a widespread bacterial riboswitch with an unidentified ligand.
• Understanding riboswitch function is crucial for deciphering gene regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the cognate ligand for the yybP-ykoY riboswitch.
• To elucidate the role of the yybP-ykoY motif in bacterial gene expression.
• To investigate the function of genes regulated by the yybP-ykoY motif.

Main Methods:

• In vivo reporter assays in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.
• In vitro expression assays.
• Equilibrium dialysis and northern blot analysis.

Main Results:

• The yybP-ykoY riboswitch directly binds and responds to manganese ions (Mn2+).
• This response was confirmed in both E. coli and B. subtilis.
• The identified manganese sensor links gene expression to metal ion levels.

Conclusions:

• The yybP-ykoY motif functions as a manganese ion sensor.
• Genes regulated by this riboswitch likely play roles in manganese homeostasis.
• This finding expands our understanding of bacterial regulatory networks and metal ion sensing.