small RNA
Research ArticleCryptic-Prophage-Encoded Small Protein DicB Protects Escherichia coli from Phage Infection by Inhibiting Inner Membrane Receptor ProteinsTemperate bacteriophages can integrate their genomes into the bacterial host chromosome and exist as prophages whose gene products play key roles in bacterial fitness and interactions with eukaryotic host organisms. Most bacterial chromosomes contain “cryptic” prophages that have lost genes required for production of phage progeny but retain genes of unknown function that may be important for regulating bacterial host physiology. This...
Research ArticleA CsrA-Binding, trans-Acting sRNA of Coxiella burnetii Is Necessary for Optimal Intracellular Growth and Vacuole Formation during Early Infection of Host CellsRegulation of metabolism and virulence in C. burnetii is not well understood. Here, we show that C. burnetii small RNA 12 (CbsR12) is highly transcribed in the metabolically active large-cell variant compared to the nonreplicative small-cell variant. We show that CbsR12 directly regulates several...
Research ArticleCoherent Feedforward Regulation of Gene Expression by Caulobacter σT and GsrN during Hyperosmotic StressBacteria inhabit diverse niches and must adapt their physiology to constant environmental fluctuations. A major response to environmental perturbation is to change gene expression. Caulobacter and other alphaproteobacteria initiate a complex gene expression program known as the general stress response (GSR) under conditions including oxidative stress, osmotic stress,...