Discovery and characterization of RNA modifications in a bacterial model pathogen
Final Report Abstract
Using ψ-seq a high-throughput RNA seq-based method, we have uncovered the possible ubiquitous presence of hundreds of ψs in mRNAs and regulatory sRNAs in two different phases of growth of a pathogenic bacterium. The same PUS that modify tRNA and rRNA also recognize and modify mRNA and sRNA sites. Validation of ψ sites predicted by ψ-seq was achieved by our newly developed 5FU-RT method. Further, ψ and PUS do have a role in S.Typhimurium pathogenesis but the molecular and mechanistic details still need further investigation. Overall, our studies indicate that RNA modifications are abundant in bacterial transcriptomes and have physiological implications. Additionally, we have provided the scientific community with a simple and cost-effective in vitro method for detecting ψ.
Publications
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(2016) Emerging roles of RNA modifications in bacteria. Current Opinion in Microbiology 30:50-57
Marbaniang CN and Vogel J
