Small RNAs

Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) often act in concert with the RNA-chaperone Hfq to regulate the expression of multiple target transcripts in bacteria. Here, the authors identify Hfq-interacting sRNAs and their targets in the pathogen Vibrio cholerae, including an RNA sponge that binds and inactivates four sRNAs that modulate the quorum sensing pathway.

Allen et al. identify a pathogenic role for microbial small RNAs enriched on low-density lipoprotein to activate TLR8 signalling, thereby promoting polarization of inflammatory macrophages and facilitating the development of atherosclerosis.

La proteins are conserved factors critical for the maturation of RNA polymerase III transcripts. In the ciliate T. thermophila and related alveolates, La proteins have a novel domain arrangement and are linked to a distinct pre-tRNA processing pathway.