Mapping regulatory networks of Zymomonas mobilis small RNAs Zms4 and Zms6

sRNAs represent a powerful class of regulators that influence multiple mRNA targets but remain largely uncharacterized outside of model organisms. Zymomonas mobilis is a natural ethanol-producing bacterium in which multiple small RNAs (sRNAs) have recently been identified, some of which show differential expression in ethanol stress. In this study, we show that sRNAs Zms4 and Zms6 have significant impacts on ethanol tolerance in Z. mobilis. We have conducted multi-omics analyses (including transcriptomics and sRNA-immunoprecipitation) to map gene networks under the influence of their regulation. Regulatory networks of Z. mobilis sRNAs Zms4 and Zms6 were elucidated by sRNA-immunoprecipitation (MS2-affinity purification) and sRNA induction experiments. Potential directly-interacting targets were identified by sRNA-immunoprecipitation and mechanisms were inferred by expression patterns of these targets in sRNA induction experiments.