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Cells control the expression of thousands of genes in response to many chemical and physical signals. Until recently, it was believed that proteins were the near-exclusive mediators of genetic control processes involving metabolite sensing. We have discovered numerous examples of “riboswitches” that act as chemical sensors and as genetic switches. Most riboswitches have been discovered in bacteria, where they control approximately 3% of the genes in some species.
In many instances, riboswitches control the expression of genes encoding key metabolic enzymes. Therefore, compounds that misregulate riboswitch-controlled genes should be candidates for new antibacterial agents. Indeed, recent findings indicate that some riboswitch classes are novel drug targets. Prospects for the development of drugs that trigger riboswitch function will be discussed.
