BY TINA M. HENKIN AND STUART MAXWELL
At the 2011 annual meeting, the RNA thematic sessions will look at regulating bacterial gene expression, RNA editing and modification, RNA transport and localization and regulation by small RNAs. The meeting will be held April 9-13, 2011, in Washington, D.C. (Titled "RNA: The Continuing Frontier" in print version.)
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| Tina M. Henkin |
Stuart Maxwell |
Research in RNA biology and biochemistry continues at a rapid pace. New tools, including rapid genome sequencing coupled with deep sequencing of all transcripts, have led to the identification of new RNA species and unexpected RNA populations that define novel RNA functions.
The importance of noncoding RNAs for regulating gene expression in both eukaryotic and bacterial organisms is readily apparent. Equally important has been the identification of RNA-binding proteins that establish myriad ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes important for RNA maturation and RNA function. We still are scratching the surface of RNA biology and biochemistry and therefore should anticipate future surprises and novel functions. It was a challenging task to decide on just four topics for presentation and discussion for the RNA theme of this meeting. With that in mind, we have selected areas that are progressing rapidly and yielding exciting new results.
Regulating Bacterial Gene Expression
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The first session, titled “RNA-based Gene Regulation in Bacteria,” will examine the regulation of bacterial gene expression by small noncoding RNAs and RNA motifs. Susan Gottesman (National Institutes of Health) will discuss how small RNAs and associated proteins regulate different networks in E. coli. Kenneth Keiler (Pennsylvania State University) will explore how the bacterial tmRNA affects the cell cycle and developmental process in Caulobacter crescentus. And, finally, Tina M. Henkin (Ohio State University) will reveal how specific RNA motifs, termed “riboswitches,” found in specific mRNAs directly bind specific ligands to regulate the cognate metabolic pathways.