The last decade has re-enforced the view of RNA as a highly versatile molecule whose functions extend well beyond the conversion of coding information into peptide sequences. The roles of non-coding RNA sequence elements – either as integral parts of mRNA molecules, or existing as independent entities – range from being the critical determinants of the dynamics of cellular function and gene expression, defining the “when”, “where” and “at what rate” of a multitude of events; to being the catalytic entities that execute them.
Nucleotide modifications ranging from “simple” methylation to the recently identified glycosylation confer additional regulatory flavors to these sequence elements. It is in the context of host-pathogen interactions, which bring to play the competing interests of entities with strikingly different genomic organizations, that the richest examples of the power and versatility of non-coding RNA sequence elements can be observed.
This Research topic aims to highlight the diversity of non-coding RNA regulatory elements that are explored by different pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and larger parasites to improve their ability to replicate and avoid host defense mechanisms. Additionally, it aims to portray how these hosts can tune in on specific RNA structures, sequences and mechanisms required for pathogen-specific processes to detect and fight back infection.
By bringing together observations from different model systems, we expect to promote cross-fertilization between different fields, leading researchers to search for unexpected ncRNA regulatory mechanisms.
We welcome original research, review or perspective articles highlighting a range of processes used by pathogens or as a host defense, across any species, whereby the non-coding RNA is the driving force for these interactions. These ncRNA elements can encompass:
· Non-coding elements in mRNA - impact on stability, translation and localisation;
· Non-coding RNAs, ribozymes and riboswitches;
· RNA modification and RNA sensing;
· and cell-to-cell or inter-species communication through ncRNA molecules.
The last decade has re-enforced the view of RNA as a highly versatile molecule whose functions extend well beyond the conversion of coding information into peptide sequences. The roles of non-coding RNA sequence elements – either as integral parts of mRNA molecules, or existing as independent entities – range from being the critical determinants of the dynamics of cellular function and gene expression, defining the “when”, “where” and “at what rate” of a multitude of events; to being the catalytic entities that execute them.
Nucleotide modifications ranging from “simple” methylation to the recently identified glycosylation confer additional regulatory flavors to these sequence elements. It is in the context of host-pathogen interactions, which bring to play the competing interests of entities with strikingly different genomic organizations, that the richest examples of the power and versatility of non-coding RNA sequence elements can be observed.
This Research topic aims to highlight the diversity of non-coding RNA regulatory elements that are explored by different pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and larger parasites to improve their ability to replicate and avoid host defense mechanisms. Additionally, it aims to portray how these hosts can tune in on specific RNA structures, sequences and mechanisms required for pathogen-specific processes to detect and fight back infection.
By bringing together observations from different model systems, we expect to promote cross-fertilization between different fields, leading researchers to search for unexpected ncRNA regulatory mechanisms.
We welcome original research, review or perspective articles highlighting a range of processes used by pathogens or as a host defense, across any species, whereby the non-coding RNA is the driving force for these interactions. These ncRNA elements can encompass:
· Non-coding elements in mRNA - impact on stability, translation and localisation;
· Non-coding RNAs, ribozymes and riboswitches;
· RNA modification and RNA sensing;
· and cell-to-cell or inter-species communication through ncRNA molecules.
