Small protein has a big impact

meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and sepsis, which in turn can lead to a crisis in the lives of patients. Recently, German researchers found that the pathogens activated more than 250 bacterial genes using a small protein, the RNA-binding protein ProQ. ProQ also helps meningococcal better repair DNA when damaged and makes it resistant to oxidative stress. The paper is published in Nature - Newsletter.
two-thirds of the RNA in meningococcal, and its associated binding proteins have not yet been identified. This raises the question: In bacterial cells, do most RNAs not need proteins to perform their regulatory functions, and which processes are actually regulated by RNA binding proteins? As a result, the researchers say meningococcal bacteria are particularly suitable for this study because their genomes are relatively small.
, using modern high-volume technology systems to identify the entire family of RNA-binding proteins in meningococcal, researchers found the "behind-the-scenes" behind the bacteria's destruction. "We were surprised that a relatively small protein could have such a big impact on the genetic regulation of bacteria," said Christoph Schoen, a professor at the University of Julias-Maximilian in Bavaria, Germany. ProQ has only about 120 amino acids. In contrast, many other proteins are usually made up of hundreds of amino acids.
the microprotein belongs to the RNA binding protein group. RNA molecules play an important regulatory role in many biological processes, and they usually work in combination with binding proteins. Scientists hope to find new targets for antimicrobials.
"We want to be able to use small molecules to disrupt the function of binding proteins, thereby weakening pathogens." The study's leader,
rg Vogel, explained.
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