How do base-pairing small RNAs evolve?
The increasing numbers of characterized base-pairing small RNAs (sRNAs) and the identification of these regulators in a broad range of bacteria are allowing comparisons between species and explorations of sRNA evolution. In this review, we describe some examples of trans-encoded base-pairing sRNAs that are species-specific and others that are more broadly distributed. We also describe examples of sRNA orthologs where different features are conserved. These examples provide the background for a discussion of mechanisms of sRNA evolution and selective pressures on the sRNAs and their mRNA target(s).
Cell Biology and Metabolism Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Taylor B
TB
Updegrove
National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
Svetlana A
SA
Shabalina
Cell Biology and Metabolism Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA storz@helix.nih.gov.
Gisela
G
Storz
D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics*; D020029:Base Pairing; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D012329:RNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D058727:RNA, Small Untranslated / Q000235:genetics*; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D013045:Species Specificity
D012329:RNA, Bacterial; D058727:RNA, Small Untranslated
Hfq; evolution; mosaic pattern of selective pressure; sRNAs