Interactions between Small Regulatory RNAs and Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems in Gram-Negative Bacteria

Small, regulatory RNA molecules (sRNAs) together with two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) are part of extensive networks for controlling bacterial gene expression. By interacting with each other, they ensure a swift and precise response of bacteria to changing living conditions. They control many processes, including the composition of the bacterial cell envelope and biofilm formation. Very often, sRNAs are the missing links between TCSs and their target genes or other regulatory systems in response to complex environmental stimuli. TCS-sRNA interaction is now considered a global regulatory feature in many prokaryotes. Learning about these control mechanisms paves the way to developing new strategies to combat pathogens.