[Role of small noncoding RNA in the regulation of bacterial virulence].
In the long-term interaction between pathogens and host, the pathogens regulate the expression of related viru-lence genes to fit the host environment in response to the changes in the host microenvironment. Gene expression was believed to be controlled mainly at the level of transcription initiation by repressors or activators. Recent studies have revealed that small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are key regulators in bacterial pathogenesis. sRNA in bacteria is a noncoding RNA with length ranging from 50 to 500 nucleotides. Pathogens can sense the changes in the host environment and consequently regulate the expression of virulence genes by sRNAs. This condition promotes the ability of pathogens to survive within the host, which is beneficial to the invasion and pathogenicity of pathogens. In contrast to transcriptional factors, sRNA-mediated gene regu-lation makes rapid and sensitive responses to environmental cues. Many sRNAs involved in bacterial virulence and pathogenesis have been identified. These sRNAs are key components of coordinated regulation networks, playing important roles in regulating the expression of virulence genes at post-transcriptional level. This review aims to provide an overview on the molecular mechanisms and roles of sRNAs in the regulation of bacterial virulence.
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Dept. of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Wang
W
Lu
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Dept. of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Zheng
Z
Xin
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Dept. of General Clinic, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Wang
W
Shida
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Dept. of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Li
L
Jiyao
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Dept. of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Xu
X
Xin
D001419:Bacteria / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D012329:RNA, Bacterial; D058727:RNA, Small Untranslated; D014774:Virulence
D012329:RNA, Bacterial; D058727:RNA, Small Untranslated
bacteria; post-transcriptional regulation; small noncoding RNA; virulence factors