Identification of a conserved branched RNA structure that functions as a factor-independent terminator

All cells regulate which regions of DNA are transcribed to RNA. Controlling where transcription terminates is an essential part of this regulation. In bacterial cells, RNA structures, referred to as factor-independent terminators, can interact with RNA polymerase to direct termination. These structures are typically inverted sequence repeats that form an RNA hairpin followed by several uridine residues. We identified a branched RNA structure that functions as a factor-independent terminator. The terminated product is a functional small RNA, but termination is inefficient, allowing transcription of downstream genes. Additional branched terminators are encoded in bacterial chromosomes, demonstrating that this unusual terminator is not unique. This work reveals an unappreciated structural diversity of factor-independent terminators and will inform annotation of bacterial genomes.    

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