Bacteria adapt to fluctuations in their environment by producing intracellular signaling molecules that control downstream pathways and alter cellular processes for survival. Nucleotide second messengers serve to transduce many of the extracellular signals to control a wide array of intracellular pathways in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Recently, 2’,3’-cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (2’,3’-cNMPs) were identified as having roles in controlling cellular pathways within eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In <i>E. coli, </i>RNase I, which is an endoribonuclease, hydrolyzes RNA to produce 2’,3’-cNMPs. These cyclic nucleotides modulate various cellular processes; however, the mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show, through the use of deletion strains and (bio)chemical tools, that 2’,3’-cNMPs and RNase I regulate several cellular processes through alteration of 2’,3’-cNMP levels. A combination of transcriptomic profiling and phenotypic assays have identified several pathways that are regulated by 2’,3’-cNMPs and RNase I, including β-lactam tolerance, metal utilization and homeostasis, and biofilm formation. Thus, this work provides key insight into the emerging roles of 2’,3’-cNMPs in bacterial signaling and physiology.<br/>

Exploring the roles of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide monophosphates in bacterial signaling

2019 Spring National Meeting

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