Tiny But Mighty: Small RNAs-the Micromanagers of Bacterial Survival, Virulence and Host-Pathogen Interactions

Bacterial pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to infect hosts, evade immune responses, and establish successful infections. While the role of transcription factors in bacterial virulence is well-documented, emerging evidence highlights the significant contribution of small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) in bacterial pathogenesis. These sRNAs function as post-transcriptional regulators that fine-tune gene expression, enabling bacteria to adapt rapidly to challenging environments. This review explores the multifaceted roles of bacterial sRNAs in host-pathogen interactions. Firstly, it examines how sRNAs regulate virulence by modulating the expression of key virulence factors, including fimbriae, toxins, and secretion systems followed by discussing the role of sRNAs in bacterial stress response mechanisms that counteract host immune defenses, such as oxidative and envelope stress resistance pathways. Additionally, this review investigates the involvement of sRNAs in antibiotic resistance by regulating efflux pumps, biofilm formation, and target modifications, which contribute to multidrug resistance phenotypes. Lastly, this review highlights how sRNAs contribute to intra- and inter-species communication through quorum sensing, thereby coordinating bacterial behavior in response to environmental cues. Understanding these regulatory networks governed by small RNAs (sRNAs) is essential for the development of innovative antimicrobial strategies. This review highlights the growing significance of sRNAs in bacterial pathogenicity and explores their potential as therapeutic targets for the treatment of bacterial infections.