Small non-coding RNAs in Gram negative bacteria

Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators that are known to play a key role in an array of traits in pathogenic bacteria including biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, virulence, pathogenesis, adaptation to stress, etc. Mostly, sRNAs interact with either proteins or RNA sequences, modulating the expression of proteins. There are two different types of regulatory sRNAs; cis-encoded sRNAs that base pairs with the exact complementary regions of the RNA transcript of the gene they control and the trans-encoded sRNAs that can function through imperfect base pairing. Recent developments in RNA sequencing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of sRNAs in many pathogenic bacteria. Though many sRNAs are identified in bacterial pathogens, their role in the pathogenic traits of these bacteria is poorly understood. Elucidation of the functional aspects of these regulatory RNAs and the polymorphism of sRNAs among the hospital isolates would provide valuable information about pathogenesis. Thus, this Research Topic will provide a platform for pooling the knowledge available so far in the sRNA regulatory network, which would enable forefront studies in the field of sRNA regulation to effectively tackle bacterial pathogens.



The topics that are covered by this Research Topic include:



• sRNA regulation and antibiotic resistance

• sRNA regulation and stress response

• sRNA regulation and virulence/pathogenesis

• sRNA regulation in biofilms

• New strategies to elucidate the role of sRNAs

• sRNAs as anti-bacterial agents

• sRNAs as innovative drug targets

• Application of sRNAs in diagnostics and disease prognosis