Deep Sequencing Analysis of Small Noncoding RNA and mRNA Targets of the Global Post-Transcriptional Regulator, Hfq
Author Information
Author(s): Sittka Alexandra, Lucchini Sacha, Papenfort Kai, Sharma Cynthia M., Rolle Katarzyna, Binnewies Tim T., Hinton Jay C. D., Vogel Jörg
Primary Institution: Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, RNA Biology, Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
How does the RNA-binding protein Hfq regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in Salmonella?
Conclusion
Hfq regulates the expression of nearly a fifth of all Salmonella genes and is essential for the virulence of Salmonella enterica.
Supporting Evidence
- Hfq controls the expression of almost a fifth of all Salmonella genes.
- 727 mRNAs were identified as Hfq-bound in vivo.
- The number of small noncoding RNAs known to be expressed in Salmonella was doubled to 64.
- Hfq mediates its pleiotropic effects by regulating master transcription factors.
- Overexpression of HilD and FlhDC rescued defective phenotypes in hfq mutants.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called Hfq helps control many genes in Salmonella, which is important for how the bacteria behave and cause disease.
Methodology
High-throughput pyrosequencing was used to analyze RNA co-immunoprecipitated with Hfq from Salmonella cells.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the immunoprecipitation process and the sequencing method used.
Limitations
The study may not capture all Hfq targets due to the stringent cut-off for identifying mRNA targets.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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