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The role of mRNA structure in bacterial translational regulation
Author(s) -
Meyer Michelle M.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
wiley interdisciplinary reviews: rna
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.225
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1757-7012
pISSN - 1757-7004
DOI - 10.1002/wrna.1370
Subject(s) - rna , translation (biology) , riboswitch , messenger rna , biology , translational regulation , microbiology and biotechnology , nucleic acid structure , ribonucleoprotein , gene expression , translational frameshift , transfer rna , rna binding protein , rna silencing , computational biology , genetics , gene , non coding rna , rna interference
The characteristics of bacterial messenger RNAs ( mRNAs ) that influence translation efficiency provide many convenient handles for regulation of gene expression, especially when coupled with the processes of transcription termination and mRNA degradation. An mRNA's structure, especially near the site of initiation, has profound consequences for how readily it is translated. This property allows bacterial gene expression to be altered by changes to mRNA structure induced by temperature, or interactions with a wide variety of cellular components including small molecules, other RNAs (such as sRNAs and tRNAs ), and RNA ‐binding proteins. This review discusses the links between mRNA structure and translation efficiency, and how mRNA structure is manipulated by conditions and signals within the cell to regulate gene expression. The range of RNA regulators discussed follows a continuum from very complex tertiary structures such as riboswitch aptamers and ribosomal protein‐binding sites to thermosensors and mRNA : sRNA interactions that involve only base‐pairing interactions. Furthermore, the high degrees of diversity observed for both mRNA structures and the mechanisms by which inhibition of translation occur have significant consequences for understanding the evolution of bacterial translational regulation. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1370. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1370 This article is categorized under: RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution Translation > Translation Mechanisms