Small noncoding RNA in Streptococci: From regulatory functions to drug development

Abstract

Streptococci are a genus of gram‐positive coccus of spherical bacteria, including many commensal bacteria and opportunistic pathogens that threaten the public health system. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression via various regulatory mechanisms, which have been illustrated to play vital roles in regulations of virulence factor expressions. Recent advances in sequencing technology and bioinformatic analysis facilitated discovery of a myriad of sRNAs from pathogenic bacteria, revealing a variety of unique features that contribute to gene expressions and virulence regulations. Although various research studies have reported the regulatory functions of sRNAs in the virulence of bacterial species of the genus Streptococci, the common features of sRNAs in the pathogenesis of Streptococci remain unclear. This blocks the development of novel antistreptococcal antibiotics and antibacterial strategies. Here, we summarize the fundamental roles of Streptococcal sRNAs in pathogenic regulations, which advance mechanistic understanding of streptococcal infection associated diseases. Moreover, we discuss the prospects of sRNA acting as drug targets to combat bacterial antibiotic resistance.

Gram-negative bacterial sRNAs encapsulated in OMVs: an emerging class of therapeutic targets in diseases

“…RNA-based therapies, including mRNA and small interfering RNA (siRNA), have attracted considerable attention in recent years as they enable modulation of gene expression compared to conventional methods and offer opportunities for personalized medicine ( Kwok et al., 2019 ). Significant structural investigations have been conducted on RNA motifs and/or RNA-protein complexes, which aid drug development through structure-based virtual screening ( Yang et al., 2023 ). The effectiveness of these new systems depends on the specific application, the nature of the drug, and the disease or condition in question.…”