Research

RNA-based pathways that regulate protein expression are much more widespread than previously thought. Regulatory RNAs, including 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions adjacent to the coding sequence, cis-acting antisense RNAs, and trans-acting small non-coding RNAs, are potent regulatory molecules that can affect protein expression and function in response to external cues such as temperature, pH, and metabolite levels. The Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology is investigating the mechanisms by which these regulatory RNAs, together with accessory proteins such as RNases, control the fate of mRNAs and proteins and how this regulation influences virulence in pathogenic bacteria.