RNA Biology of Microorganisms

Until recently, RNAs were thought as mere structural molecules or as mediators of the flow of the genetic information from DNA to proteins. However, during the last 2-3 decades, several functions, in addition to the classical roles assigned, have been discovered in all domains of life. Such new functions include catalysis, regulation of genetic expression, and signaling, with an exponentially growing number of publications reporting new roles of RNAs in these and other related topics. For instance, transfer RNA (tRNA) is well known as the carrier of amino acids to the ribosome for translation, but recent advances show that tRNAs regulate gene expression at different levels beyond translation.

Since the number of publications in these fields is extremely large, the prevailing trend is to focus on information discovered in specific topics. However, a comprehensive report on the new roles of RNAs in microbiology is still lacking. Thus, we envision that a Frontiers in Microbiology Research Topic dedicated to RNA biology in microorganisms, reviewing the different roles of RNAs, will contribute to expand our view of these molecules not only vis-à-vis a specific function, but regarding the broader spectrum of their functions. Such a selection will improve our understanding of the interconnections among the functions and will inspire the reader to think about new interrelationships, not seen when specific functions are approached.

We welcome researchers working in the field of RNA molecules in bacteria, archaea and lower eukaryotes to contribute to the following sub-topics including but not limited to:
- computation, structure, catalysis;
- biosynthesis, processing, modifications;
- regulation of gene expression;
- traffic, sequestration (sponge RNA).

In order to help expand our view of RNA biology, researchers can submit original research articles and reviews to this Frontiers in Microbiology Research Topic.