AUTHOR=Cho Kyu Hong , Kim Jeong-Ho 

TITLE=Cis-encoded non-coding antisense RNAs in streptococci and other low GC Gram (+) bacterial pathogens

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Genetics

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2015

YEAR=2015

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2015.00110

DOI=10.3389/fgene.2015.00110

ISSN=1664-8021

ABSTRACT=<p>Due to recent advances of bioinformatics and high throughput sequencing technology, discovery of regulatory non-coding RNAs in bacteria has been increased to a great extent. Based on this bandwagon, many studies searching for <italic>trans</italic>-acting small non-coding RNAs in streptococci have been performed intensively, especially in the important human pathogen, group A and B streptococci. However, studies for <italic>cis</italic>-encoded non-coding antisense RNAs in streptococci have been scarce. A recent study shows antisense RNAs are involved in virulence gene regulation in group B streptococcus, <italic>S. agalactiae</italic>. This suggests antisense RNAs could have important roles in the pathogenesis of streptococcal pathogens. In this review, we describe recent discoveries of chromosomal <italic>cis</italic>-encoded antisense RNAs in streptococcal pathogens and other low GC Gram (+) bacteria to provide a guide for future studies.</p>