Analysis of the mRNA silencing mechanism by small RNA in E. coli

SgrS是一种充分表征的Hfq结合sRNA。在这个项目中，我试图确定所需的翻译抑制ptsG mRNA的SgrS区域，并阐明Hfq促进SgrS和ptsG mRNA之间的碱基配对的机制。主要研究结果如下：1）SgrS 168 -181（14 nt）是ptsG mRNA翻译抑制的最小碱基对区域; 2）rho非依赖性终止子的polyU尾是Hfq作用所必需的; 3）RNase E的711 - 750之间的亚区足以与Hfq功能性相互作用以支持ptsG mRNA的快速降解。

SgrS is a well-characterized Hfq-binding sRNA. In this project, I tried to define the SgrS region required for translation repression of ptsG mRNA, and to clarify the mechanism by which Hfq promotes the base-pairing between SgrS and ptsG mRNA. The major findings are : 1) SgrS168-181(14 nt) is a minimal base-pair region for translational repression of ptsG mRNA ; 2) the polyU tail of rho-independent terminator is essential for Hfq action ; 3) the subregion between 711 and 750 of RNase E is sufficient for the functional interaction with Hfq to support the rapid degradation of ptsG mRNA.