Light-controlled twister ribozyme with single-molecule detection resolves RNA function in time and space.

Small ribozymes such as twister spontaneously cleave their own RNA when the ribozyme folds into its active conformation. The coupling between twister folding and self-cleavage has been difficult to study, however, because the active ribozyme rapidly converts to product. Here, we describe the synthesis of a photocaged nucleotide that releases guanosine within microseconds upon photosolvolysis with blue light.

The Hfq chaperone helps the ribosome mature.

Ribosome biogenesis is a complex process that is facilitated by a large number of assembly factors. In this issue, Andrade (2018) provide evidence that a widely conserved RNA chaperone, Hfq, acts as a ribosomal assembly factor in bacteria. Hfq is known to support regulation of stress response genes by small RNAs.