Retron msr RNA

Retron msr is a non-coding RNA gene found in Retron elements. Retron elements are reverse transcriptase (RT) encoding genetic elements usually located on the chromosome and found in a wide range of (mainly) Gram-negative bacteria. The retron element encodes a reverse transcriptase that is responsible for the production of a multi-copy small extra-chromosomal (satellite) DNA called multi-copy single-stranded DNA (msDNA). This msDNA is composed of single-stranded DNA linked to single-stranded RNA. The RNA strand is joined to the 5' end of the DNA chain via a 2'-5' linkage that occurs from the 2' position of an internal guanosine residue in the RNA. The DNA portion is encoded by the retron msd gene and RNA encoded by the msr gene components. The components of msDNA are poorly conserved in sequence between different organisms. Despite considerable investigation, very little is known about the function of msDNA, the mobility of retron elements, or their effect on the host cell.