Mix-and-match riboswitches.
Riboswitches are noncoding RNA elements found in the 5'-untranslated region of messenger RNA (mRNA) that mediate gene expression in a cis fashion in the absence of protein. This common regulatory strategy in bacteria is achieved through the interplay of two distinct domains: an aptamer domain responsible for sensing intracellular concentrations of a specific metabolite and a domain containing a secondary structural switch directly controlling expression. In a recent study, riboswitches have been discovered that are capable of regulating transcription by using an RNA architecture mimicking a Boolean NOR logic gate. Tandem arrangement of elements that recognize S-adenosylmethionine and coenzyme B12 yields an mRNA that is only expressed when both metabolites are in low concentration in the cell.
Stoddard
Colby D
CD
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Campus Box 215, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0215, USA.
Batey
Robert T
RT
D020121:5' Untranslated Regions / Q000235:genetics*; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D005812:Genes, Switch / Q000235:genetics*; D008024:Ligands; D011485:Protein Binding; D012329:RNA, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics*; D038621:Regulatory Sequences, Ribonucleic Acid / Q000235:genetics*; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine / Q000235:genetics
D020121:5' Untranslated Regions; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide; D008024:Ligands; D012329:RNA, Bacterial; D038621:Regulatory Sequences, Ribonucleic Acid; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine