RNA exoribonucleases in E. coli

Ribonucleases are associated with processing and degradation of diverse RNA substrates. These enzymes act on the substrate with high specificity, often in association with their interacting partners. Functionally redundant exoribonucleases are indispensable for maintaining the physiological homeostasis under normal and challenging conditions for growth. In this review article, we will report the comprehensive role of exoribonucleases in RNA metabolism especially the processing, maturation and degradation. Structural aspects of exonucleases, tendency to oligomerize, and their association with other cellular proteins that facilitate their interaction with RNA substrate and modulate their activity have also been highlighted. Transcription and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of gene expression that are crucial for maintaining levels of exoribonuclease expression has been briefly discussed.