Systematic probing of the bacterial RNA structurome to reveal new functions

- NGS-based RNA probing enables transcriptome-wide structurome determination.
- RNA structuromics reveals insights into RNA-structure-function relationships.
- The bacterial mRNA structure is highly dynamic.
- Dynamic RNA structures are able to control gene expression at various levels.

RNA folds into intricate structures. Recent discoveries using next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches have revealed unprecedented structural complexity with a pivotal role in regulating RNA function and stability. Here, we present new discoveries from the transcriptome-wide determination of RNA structuromes in bacteria and discuss emerging concepts in the role of mRNA structures in regulating transcription, translation and degradation. We also provide critical viewpoints on the use of NGS approaches for elucidating of RNA structuromes at the systems level.