Description: The RNA thermometer is an RNA regulatory element that plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression in response to temperature changes. These thermometers are RNA sequences that can adopt different structural conformations depending on the ambient temperature. At lower temperatures, the RNA may adopt a structure that allows the translation of a specific gene, while at higher temperatures, the structure changes, blocking translation and thus gene expression. This temperature-responsive capability enables organisms to adjust their metabolism and adapt to changing environmental conditions, which is especially important for microorganisms and plants that cannot regulate their internal temperature. RNA thermometers are examples of how molecular biology has evolved to include sophisticated regulatory mechanisms that allow organisms to respond efficiently to their environment. Their study provides insights into the biology of organisms and has implications in biotechnology and medicine, where manipulating these elements could lead to new strategies for controlling gene expression in various applications.
History: RNA thermometers were first identified in the 1990s when researchers began exploring how bacterial organisms regulate gene expression in response to changes in their environment. One of the first documented examples was the RNA thermometer in the bacterium ‘Escherichia coli’, which was found to regulate the expression of genes involved in heat response. Since then, several other RNA thermometers have been identified in different organisms, leading to increased interest in their study and application.
Uses: RNA thermometers have applications in biotechnology, where they are used to design gene expression systems that respond to temperature changes. This allows researchers to control protein production in genetically modified organisms, optimizing the production of compounds of interest. Additionally, their study can contribute to the development of new therapies in medicine, where precise regulation of gene expression is crucial.
Examples: A practical example of the use of RNA thermometers is found in engineering ‘E. coli’ strains for the production of therapeutic proteins, where gene expression can be activated at specific temperatures. Another example is the use of RNA thermometers in plants, where they can be designed to activate the expression of genes that confer resistance to thermal stress.
