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Journal of Bacteriology, August 2004, p. 4978-4985, Vol. 186, No. 15
0021-9193/04/$08.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/JB.186.15.4978-4985.2004
Copyright © 2004, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

6S RNA Function Enhances Long-Term Cell Survival

Amy E. Trotochaud and Karen M. Wassarman*

Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706

Received 10 February 2004/ Accepted 26 April 2004

6S RNA was identified in Escherichia coli >30 years ago, but the physiological role of this RNA has remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that 6S RNA-deficient cells are at a disadvantage for survival in stationary phase, a time when 6S RNA regulates transcription. Growth defects were most apparent as a decrease in the competitive fitness of cells lacking 6S RNA. To decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth defects, we have expanded studies of 6S RNA effects on transcription. 6S RNA inhibition of {sigma}70-dependent transcription was not ubiquitous, in spite of the fact that the vast majority of {sigma}70-RNA polymerase is bound by 6S RNA during stationary phase. The {sigma}70-dependent promoters inhibited by 6S RNA contain an extended –10 promoter element, suggesting that this feature may define a class of 6S RNA-regulated genes. We also discovered a secondary effect of 6S RNA in the activation of {sigma}S-dependent transcription at several promoters. We conclude that 6S RNA regulation of both {sigma}70 and {sigma}S activities contributes to increased cell persistence during nutrient deprivation.

* Corresponding author. Mailing address: Department of Bacteriology, 420 Henry Mall, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706. Phone: (608) 262-8106. Fax: (608) 262-9865. E-mail: wassarman{at}bact.wisc.edu.

Journal of Bacteriology, August 2004, p. 4978-4985, Vol. 186, No. 15
0021-9193/04/$08.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/JB.186.15.4978-4985.2004
Copyright © 2004, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.



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