Leaderless mRNAs in the Spotlight: Ancient but Not Outdated!

Microbiology Spectrum
Heather J Beck, Isabella Moll

Abstract

Previously, leaderless mRNAs (lmRNAs) were perceived to make up only a minor fraction of the transcriptome in bacteria. However, advancements in RNA sequencing technology are uncovering vast numbers of lmRNAs, particularly in archaea, Actinobacteria, and extremophiles and thus underline their significance in cellular physiology and regulation. Due to the absence of conventional ribosome binding signals, lmRNA translation initiation is distinct from canonical mRNAs and can therefore be differentially regulated. The ribosome's inherent ability to bind a 5'-terminal AUG can stabilize and protect the lmRNA from degradation or allow ribosomal loading for downstream initiation events. As a result, lmRNAs remain translationally competent during a variety of physiological conditions, allowing them to contribute to multiple regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, the abundance of lmRNAs can increase during adverse conditions through the upregulation of lmRNA transcription from alternative promoters or by the generation of lmRNAs from canonical mRNAs cleaved by an endonucleolytic toxin. In these ways, lmRNA translation can continue during stress and contribute to regulation, illustrating their importance in the cell. Due to their presence in...Continue Reading

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Citations

Aug 12, 2020·Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology·Yongjae LeeByung-Kwan Cho
Sep 27, 2019·Frontiers in Microbiology·Yongjae LeeByung-Kwan Cho
Feb 24, 2019·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Emmanuelle SchmittYves Mechulam
Oct 20, 2020·Frontiers in Microbiology·Emmanuelle SchmittYves Mechulam
May 25, 2021·Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences·Victoria LandwehrHans-Georg Koch
May 18, 2021·Frontiers in Microbiology·Albert WeixlbaumerDina Grohmann
Aug 5, 2021·Molecular Aspects of Medicine·Niraj KumarPrem S Kaushal

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