The Role of RNA Secondary Structure in Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria

Due to the high exposition to changing environmental conditions, bacteria have developed many mechanisms enabling immediate adjustments of gene expression. In many cases, the required speed and plasticity of the response are provided by RNA-dependent regulatory mechanisms. This is possible due to the very high dynamics and flexibility of an RNA structure, which provide the necessary sensitivity and specificity for efficient sensing and transduction of environmental signals. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge about known bacterial regulatory mechanisms which rely on RNA structure. To better understand the structure-driven modulation of gene expression, we describe the basic theory on RNA structure folding and dynamics. Next, we present examples of multiple mechanisms employed by RNA regulators in the control of bacterial transcription and translation.

Automated summary

Bacteria have developed mechanisms for immediate adjustment of gene expression in response to changing environmental conditions, often relying on RNA-dependent regulatory mechanisms. The high dynamics and flexibility of RNA structure provide the necessary sensitivity and specificity for efficient sensing and transduction of environmental signals. This review discusses bacterial regulatory mechanisms based on RNA structure and presents examples of RNA regulators' multiple mechanisms in controlling bacterial transcription and translation.