RNAI | |
---|---|
![]() Predicted secondary structure and sequence conservation of RNAI | |
Identifiers | |
Symbol | RNAI |
Rfam | RF00106 |
Other data | |
RNA type | Gene; antisense |
Domain(s) | Bacteria |
SO | SO:0000644 |
PDB structures | PDBe |
RNAI is a non-coding RNA that is an antisense repressor of the replication of some E. coli plasmids, including ColE1. Plasmid replication is usually initiated by RNAII,[1] which acts as a primer by binding to its template DNA. The complementary RNAI binds RNAII prohibiting it from its initiation role. The rate of degradation of RNAI is therefore a major factor in the control of plasmid replication. This rate of degradation is aided by the pcnB (plasmid copy number B) gene product,[2] which polyadenylates the 3' end of RNAI targeting it for degradation by PNPase.[3]