Life Sciences Seminar: Bacteria host replicating RBA plasmids
Life Science Seminar
Bacteria host replicating RBA plasmids
Dr. Andrew Varble (Biotech ’08)
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology
University of Rochester
Abstract:
Recently, a new class of approximately 1 kb highly structured RNAs, termed Obelisks, have been discovered in metatranscriptomic data, which appear to be hosted by bacteria. The fundamental aspects of their replication, host range, and impact on their bacterial host remain unknown. We have established a reverse genetics system to reconstitute these RNA species in bacteria. Our findings demonstrate that they stably persist and replicate in multiple bacterial species. This replication is dependent on the Obelisk’s rod-like secondary structure and a self-encoded protein. Moreover, we show that their presence leads to upregulation of bacterial pathogenesis factors and suppression of prophage induction. Finally, we demonstrate the reconstitution of multiple Obelisk variants and establish their bacterial host ranges. This work establishes the foundation for understanding these plasmid-like RNAs, whose existence challenges and expands the current paradigm of bacterial selfish genetic elements.
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