Hidden small RNA in cholera bacterium helps determine whether it can infect humans
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a small RNA in the cholera bacterium Vibrio cholerae that plays a crucial role in its ability to infect humans. This discovery sheds light on the genetic factors that enable the bacterium to colonize the human gut, which has been a mystery for decades. The findings could lead to improved strategies for predicting and preventing cholera outbreaks.
- ▪The study reveals that a small RNA embedded within the ompU gene is key to the bacterium's ability to infect humans.
- ▪Variants of this small RNA control the expression of 85% of genes related to human infection.
- ▪Cholera strains with human-associated small RNA variants suppress biofilm formation, allowing them to evade the immune system.
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May 16, 2026 Hidden small RNA in cholera bacterium helps determine whether it can infect humans by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Lisa Lock Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Andrew Zinin Lead Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source The ompU ORF encodes a modular porin and sRNA. Credit: Nature Communications (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-73137-6 Scientists from St.
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