Stresses that Raise Np(4)A Levels Induce Protective Nucleoside Tetraphosphate Capping of Bacterial RNA.

Present in all realms of life, dinucleoside tetraphosphates (Np(4)Ns) are generally considered signaling molecules. However, only a single pathway for Np(4)N signaling has been delineated in eukaryotes, and no receptor that mediates the influence of Np(4)Ns has ever been identified in bacteria. Here we show that, under disulfide stress conditions that elevate cellular Np(4)N concentrations, diverse Escherichia coli mRNAs and sRNAs acquire a cognate Np(4) cap. Purified E. coli RNA polymerase and lysyl-tRNA synthetase are both capable of adding such 5' caps. Cap removal by either of two pyrophosphatases, ApaH or RppH, triggers rapid RNA degradation in E. coli. ApaH, the predominant decapping enzyme, functions as both a sensor and an effector of disulfide stress, which inactivates it. These findings suggest that the physiological changes attributed to elevated Np(4)N concentrations in bacteria may result from widespread Np(4) capping, leading to altered RNA stability and consequent changes in gene expression.