The functional Hfq-binding module of bacterial sRNAs consists of a double or single hairpin preceded by a U-rich sequence and followed by a 3′ poly(U) tail

Effects of mutations in AU-rich sequences on expression and silencing ability of SgrS. Properties of SgrS-series (A) and SgrSi-series (B) variants were examined. IT1568 cells harboring indicated plasmids were grown in the presence of 0.2% (for preparation of total RNAs) or 1% (for preparation of total proteins) arabinose. Total RNAs and proteins were prepared. RNA samples were subjected to Northern blot analysis using SgrS probe 1 and a ptsG probe. The following amounts of RNAs were loaded: SgrS variants, 0.25 μg; ptsG mRNA, 10 μg. Protein samples equivalent to 0.04 A₆₀₀ units were subjected to Western blot analysis.