Decoding the Dual Role of Small RNAs in Microbial Metabolism and Stress Regulation

Small RNAs (sRNAs), traditionally regarded as noncoding post-transcriptional regulators, are increasingly recognised as multifunctional molecules that contribute to microbial physiology, metabolism, and stress adaptation. Recent evidence shows that some sRNAs encode functional peptides, while mRNAs encoding metabolic enzymes can generate regulatory sRNAs from their 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs), revealing a dual regulatory and coding identity that challenges the conventional distinction between coding and noncoding RNA. This emerging complexity is further highlighted during bacteriophage infection, when phage-encoded and host-derived sRNAs can drive metabolic rewiring and physiological reprogramming, influencing bacterial survival, adaptation, and stress tolerance. Understanding these functions will provide new insights into microbial regulation and may inform the development of antimicrobial and phage-based strategies.This Research Topic aims to investigate how sRNAs regulate microbial physiology and metabolism at molecular, cellular, and systems levels. It will focus on their roles in growth, energy metabolism, biosynthesis, metabolic regulation, cellular function, and adaptation to environmental stressors. Particular attention will be given to sRNAs encoding functional peptides, sRNAs derived from mRNA 3′UTRs, and sRNA interactions with RNA molecules, proteins, metabolic enzymes, and transcription factors. The Research Topic will also consider phage-encoded and host-derived sRNAs during bacteriophage infection, provided that their effects on microbial metabolism or physiology are addressed. Comparative genomics, systems biology, metabolic engineering, and advanced experimental approaches are encouraged to generate mechanistic and physiologically relevant insights.To gather further insights into the contribution of sRNAs to microbial physiology and metabolism, this Research Topic welcomes studies on bacteria and other microorganisms, including Gram-negative species such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as Gram-positive bacteria and experimentally tractable microbial systems. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:-Coding potential of sRNAs and the physiological functions of sRNA-encoded peptides.-sRNAs processed from mRNA 3′UTRs and their relationships with parental gene products.-sRNA regulation of central metabolism, energy conservation, biosynthesis, nutrient utilisation, and metabolic flux.-RNA–RNA and RNA–protein interactions involved in sRNA function.-sRNA control of transcription factors and global regulatory networks during environmental stress.-Contributions of sRNAs to microbial growth, cellular function, persistence, and adaptation.-Phage–host sRNA interactions and their effects on bacterial metabolism and stress physiology.-sRNA-associated CRISPR-Cas and abortive infection mechanisms, where their physiological or metabolic consequences are investigated.-Comparative genomics, RNA sequencing, ribosome profiling, RNA structure probing, bioinformatics, and systems biology approaches for sRNA discovery and functional validation.-Metabolic engineering and novel methods, regulators, or mechanisms involving sRNA-mediated control of microbial function.Descriptive microbiome studies based solely on amplicon sequencing or correlation analyses with environmental factors are outside the scope of this Research Topic. Multi-organism studies should include a clear hypothesis, appropriate methods for testing it, and functional or mechanistic evidence relevant to microbial physiology or metabolism. Contributions addressing microbial biotechnology, health, environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, or climate-related applications are particularly encouraged.The following article types are accepted: Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Perspective, and Methods. Topic editors: Kangmin Duan, Aixin Yan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81261/decoding-the-dual-role-of-small-rnas-in-microbial-metabolism-and-stress-regulation