Tiny RNA molecule helps viruses hijack bacterial cells


 

Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found a previously unknown way that viruses infecting bacteria take control of their hosts. They discovered a tiny RNA molecule that acts as a molecular ‘switch’ to speed up infection, providing key insights on phage biology that could support future efforts to develop alternatives to antibiotics.

The study focused on bacteriophages – viruses that infect bacteria – and revealed an unexpected regulatory role for a small RNA molecule called PreS. The findings demonstrate that phages can manipulate bacterial cells not only through proteins, but also by using RNA to reprogramme the cell from within.

A new layer of viral control

The research team, led by Dr Sahar Melamed at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem alongside PhD student Aviezer Silverman, MSc student Raneem Nashef and computational biologist Reut Wasserman, worked in collaboration with Professor Ido Golding from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Event Name : International Molecular Biologist Awards

Website Link: molecularbiologist.org/

Contact Mail ID : contact@molecularbiologist.org

Nomination Link  : https://molecularbiologist.org/award-nomination/?ecategory=Awards&rcategory=Awardee


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#TinyRNA #SmallRNA #RNARegulation #Bacteriophage #PhageBiology #VirusHostInteraction #BacterialDefense #GeneExpression #MolecularVirology #MicrobialGenetics #RNAFunction #PhageInfection

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