Katherine McJunkin1 and Susan Gottesman2 1Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA; 2Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA Corresponding authors: gottesmsnih.gov, katherine.mcjunkinnih.gov Abstract

Small RNAs base pair with and regulate mRNA translation and stability. For both bacterial small regulatory RNAs and eukaryotic microRNAs, association with partner proteins is critical for the stability and function of the regulatory RNAs. We review the mechanisms for degradation of these RNAs: displacement of the regulatory RNA from its protein partner (in bacteria) or destruction of the protein and its associated microRNAs (in eukaryotes). These mechanisms can allow specific destruction of a regulatory RNA via pairing with a decay trigger RNA or function as global off switches by disrupting the stability or function of the protein partner.

This is a work of the US Government.