Riboregulation in bacteria: From simple switches to complex regulatory networks

Riboregulation is a key component of bacterial adaptation, as regulatory RNAs enable rapid and precise control of gene expression in response to stress and fluctuating environmental conditions. This control is exerted at the levels of transcription, translation, and mRNA stability, allowing the cell to efficiently adjust gene expression without the need to produce additional protein regulators. Regulation involves both locally acting elements (including riboswitches, thermosensors, and antisense RNAs) and in trans acting molecules primarily sRNAs which form extensive networks affecting the expression of many genes simultaneously. The multilayered nature of these systems is further enhanced by sRNA-binding proteins and RNA sponges, which modulate the availability of regulators and shape complex gene expression control networks. Modern methods like Hfq-CLASH enable better identification of these interactions in vivo. In parallel, applied research leverages these mechanisms in synthetic biology and against antibiotic resistance.