RNA-based control mechanisms of Clostridium difficile

•Clostridium difficile (CD) is an emergent human enteropathogen.•Recent advances indicate a key role of RNAs in the control of CD pathogenicity.•Original features of RNA-based mechanisms in CD should be emphasised.•Features of c-di-GMP signalling, Hfq, and CRISPR-Cas systems in CD are discussed.

Clostridium difficile (CD)-associated diarrhoea is currently the most prevalent nosocomial diarrhoea worldwide. Many characteristics of CD pathogenicity remain poorly understood. Recent data strongly indicate the importance of an RNA network for the control of gene expression in CD. More than 200 regulatory RNAs have been identified by deep sequencing and targeted approaches, including Hfq-dependent trans riboregulators, cis-antisense RNAs, CRISPR RNAs, and c-di-GMP-responsive riboswitches. These regulatory RNAs are involved in the control of major processes in the CD infection cycle, for example motility, biofilm formation, adhesion, sporulation, stress response, and defence against bacteriophages. We will discuss recent advances in elucidation of the original features of RNA-based mechanisms in this important enteropathogen. This knowledge may pave the way for further discoveries in this emergent field.

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