AsrC (Antisense RNA of rseC) is a ''cis-''encoded

antisense RNA Antisense RNA (asRNA), also referred to as antisense transcript, natural antisense transcript (NAT) or antisense oligonucleotide, is a single stranded RNA that is complementary to a protein coding messenger RNA (mRNA) with which it hybridizes, and ...

of rseC (an activator gene of

sigma factor A sigma factor (σ factor or specificity factor) is a protein needed for initiation of transcription in bacteria. It is a bacterial transcription initiation factor that enables specific binding of RNA polymerase (RNAP) to gene promoters. It is ho ...

RpoE) described in ''

Salmonella enterica ''Salmonella enterica'' (formerly ''Salmonella choleraesuis'') is a rod-headed, flagellate, facultative anaerobic, Gram-negative bacterium and a species of the genus ''Salmonella''. A number of its serovars are serious human pathogens. Epidemi ...

'' serovar Typhi. It was discovered by deep sequencing and its transcription was confirmed by Northern blot. AsrC is an 893 bp sequence that covers all of the rseC coding region in the reverse direction of transcription. It increases the level of rseC mRNA and protein, indirectly activating RpoE. RpoE can promote flagellar gene expression and motility. Coincidentally, expression of AsrC increased bacterial swimming motility. it is possible that it is because AsrC is promoting the expression of genes related to motility.

References

Non-coding RNA {{molecular-cell-biology-stub