Publication Details
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as pivotal regulators in bacterial virulence and host-pathogen interactions. Unlike coding RNAs, ncRNAs do not encode proteins but play essential roles in gene regulation, influencing various bacterial processes critical for pathogenesis. This review highlights the multifaceted roles of ncRNAs in modulating bacterial virulence factors, such as toxin production, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and immune evasion. Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), a major class of ncRNAs, act by base-pairing with target mRNAs or interacting with proteins to control gene expression post-transcriptionally. Through these mechanisms, sRNAs enable bacteria to swiftly adapt to environmental changes and host defenses, enhancing their survival and pathogenicity. Additionally, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in host cells are increasingly recognized for their role in the host immune response to bacterial infections. These host lncRNAs can influence the expression of genes involved in inflammation and immune signaling pathways, thereby shaping the outcome of infections. The interplay between bacterial ncRNAs and host regulatory networks underscores a dynamic co-evolution of host-pathogen interactions. Advances in RNA sequencing and bioinformatics have unraveled the complexity of ncRNA-mediated regulation, providing insights into novel therapeutic targets. Disrupting ncRNA pathways holds potential for combating bacterial infections by impairing virulence without exerting selective pressure for resistance. Understanding the intricate roles of ncRNAs offers a promising frontier in the study of bacterial pathogenesis and the development of innovative antimicrobial strategies. This review underscores the need for further research into ncRNAs as key players in the molecular dialogue between pathogens and their hosts.