Regulatory RNAs: A Universal Language for Inter-Domain Communication.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Microbiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Eukaryotic microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are involved in development, homeostasis, and disease.
• Emerging evidence suggests plant and mammalian miRNAs mediate cross-kingdom communication, but mechanisms remain poorly understood and controversial.
• Bacteria lack endogenous miRNA biogenesis pathways, posing a challenge to understanding how exogenous miRNAs could function within them.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare and contrast the biogenesis and functions of regulatory RNAs in eukaryotes and bacteria.
• To identify conserved features and homologous components between eukaryotic and bacterial regulatory RNA pathways.
• To propose novel mechanistic explanations for how eukaryotic miRNAs might function in bacterial recipients.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of regulatory RNA pathways in eukaryotes and bacteria.
• Literature review focusing on miRNA biogenesis, function, and inter-kingdom communication.
• Identification of conserved molecular components and conserved regulatory RNA features.

Main Results:

• Several conserved features and homologous components were identified between eukaryotic and bacterial regulatory RNA pathways.
• The comparison provides a foundation for understanding potential cross-domain RNA interactions.
• Novel mechanisms are proposed to explain the functional integration of eukaryotic miRNAs within bacterial cells.

Conclusions:

• The conserved features suggest potential molecular crosstalk between eukaryotic miRNAs and bacterial regulatory systems.
• Proposed mechanisms offer testable hypotheses for how eukaryotic miRNAs can influence bacterial gene expression.
• Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the therapeutic potential of miRNAs for microbiota modulation.