SraD RNA

The SraD RNA (also known as MicA) is a small non-coding RNA that was discovered in E. coli during a large scale screen. Expression of SraD is highly abundant in stationary phase, but low levels could be detected in exponentially growing cells as well. This RNA binds the Hfq protein and regulates levels of gene expression by an antisense mechanism. It is known to target the OmpA gene in E. coli and occludes the ribosome binding site. Under conditions of envelope stress, micA transcription is induced. MicA transcription is under the control of the sigma factor sigma(E).