Elucidation of Small RNAs that Activate Transcription in Bacteria

Abstract

Small non-coding RNA (sRNA) control of gene expression has been shown to play a prominent role in genetic regulation. While the majority of identified bacterial sRNAs exert their control at the translational level, a few examples of bacterial sRNAs that inhibit transcription have also been identified. Using an engineered combinatorial RNA library, we have elucidated bacterial sRNAs that activate transcription of a target gene in E. coli to varying degrees. Mutation of the strongest activator modified its activation potential. Our results suggest that transcriptional activation of our target gene results from recruitment of the bacterial RNA polymerase complex to the promoter region. These data, coupled with the malleability of RNA, provide a context to define synthetic control of genes in bacteria at the transcriptional level.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA561257

Entities

People

  • John A. Lynch
  • Michael S Goodson
  • Ryan Kramer
  • Thomas D. Lamkin

Organizations

  • University of Cincinnati

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacteria
  • Biology
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Programming
  • Crystal Structure
  • Gel Electrophoresis
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetics
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Prokaryotes
  • Proteins
  • Proteomics
  • Synthetic Biology

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Genetics

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology