An antisense RNA controls synthesis of an SOS-induced toxin evolved from an antitoxin
2007
Control of a Toxin by Antisense RNA in E. coli
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Kawano Mitsuoki, Aravind L, Storz Gisela
Primary Institution: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
The study investigates how the small RNA SymR regulates the synthesis of the SOS-induced toxin SymE in E. coli.
Conclusion
The study concludes that SymR effectively represses the synthesis of the toxin SymE, which has evolved from an antitoxin.
Supporting Evidence
- SymR RNA levels are significantly higher than those of symE mRNA.
- Mutations in the symR promoter lead to increased symE mRNA and protein levels.
- SymE overexpression results in reduced colony formation and protein synthesis.
Takeaway
In E. coli, a small RNA called SymR helps control a toxin called SymE, making sure it doesn't get produced too much, which could harm the cell.
Methodology
The study used cloning-based screens, quantitative Northern analysis, and immunoblot assays to examine RNA and protein levels.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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