Prokaryotic Gene Regulation by Small RNAs

Plasticity of gene expression is essential for survival within the frequently changing and often extreme environments encountered by prokaryotes. The importance of small RNA molecules (sRNAs) in regulating prokaryotic gene expression has become abundantly clear within the last decade and has been the subject of several excellent reviews, many of which are referenced within. While in its infancy, the study of archaeal sRNAs is a promising field and one that is likely to produce exciting findings in the near future. In light of the significant advances made in the identification and characterization of bacterial sRNAs, these molecules are the focus of this review, with special emphasis placed on the molecular mechanisms underlying their regulatory functions.