Hinrichs Lab

RNases-the decision makers?

The gram-positive organism Bacillus subtilis is able to decide between different fates in the transition between the exponential and the stationary phase (nutrient starvation). These include competence, sporulation, biofilms, swarming, and dormancy. For high flexibility, protein expression must be permanently regulated.  

RNases control the abundance of regulatory and protein-coding RNA by degrading and maturing RNA and are thus major players in decision-making.