Small regulatory RNAs of oral streptococci and periodontal bacteria

Abstract

Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) belong to a family of non-coding RNAs, and many of which regulate expression of genes via interaction with mRNA. The recent popularity of high-throughput next generation sequencers have presented abundant sRNA-related data, including sRNAs of several different oral bacterial species. Some sRNA candidates have been validated in terms of their expression and interaction with target mRNAs. Since the oral cavity is an environment constantly exposed to various stimuli, such as fluctuations in temperature and pH, and osmotic pressure, as well as changes in nutrient availability, oral bacteria require rapid control of gene expression for adaptation to such diverse conditions, while regulation via interactions of sRNAs with mRNA provides advantages for rapid adaptation. This review summarizes methods effective for identification and validation of sRNAs, as well as sRNAs identified to be associated with oral bacterial species, including cariogenic and periodontal pathogens, together with their confirmed and putative target genes.

sRNA expression profile of KPC-2-producing carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: Functional role of sRNA51

“…qRT-PCR is the primary tool used to verify the expression and characterization of novel sRNAs [ 51 ]. Therefore, we selected sRNA51, which was the most significantly differentially expressed sRNA in KPC-2-producing CRKP, as well as four other randomly selected differentially expressed sRNAs (sRNA93, sRNA156, sRNA398, and sRNA418), to examine the presence and transcript levels of sRNAs by qRT-PCR.…”