The Biology of Free Guanidine As Revealed by Riboswitches

Biochemistry. 2017 Jan 17;56(2):345-347. doi: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b01269. Epub 2017 Jan 6.

Abstract

The experimental validation of three distinct riboswitch classes has revealed that many bacterial cells naturally produce guanidine, and that living systems have evolved a variety of genes involved in the metabolism and transport of this toxic metabolite. There are numerous biochemical curiosities and mysteries that spring from these advances, which will make for interesting research topics in the coming years.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / genetics
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / metabolism
  • Base Sequence
  • Guanidine / metabolism*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • RNA, Untranslated / chemistry
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated / metabolism
  • Riboswitch / genetics*

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • RNA, Untranslated
  • Riboswitch
  • Guanidine