GLYCINE RIBOSWITCHES, METHODS FOR THEIR USE, AND COMPOSITIONS FOR USE WITH GLYCINE RIBOSWITCHES

摘要

Riboswitches are structural elements in mRNA that change state when bound by a trigger molecule, and are thus able to regulate gene expression. They can be dissected into two separate domains: one that selectively binds the target (aptamer domain) and another that influences genetic control (expression platform domain). Bacterial glycine riboswitches consist of two tandem aptamer domains which cooperatively bind glycine to regulate the expression of downstream genes. These natural switches are targets for antibiotics and other small molecule therapies. Modified versions of these natural riboswitches can be employed as designer genetic switches that are controlled by specific effector compounds. Disclosed are isolated and recombinant riboswitches, and compositions and methods for selecting and identifying compounds that can activate, inactivate, or block a riboswitch.