AsdA small RNA

AsdA (antisense RNA of dnaA) is a cis-encoded antisense RNA of dnaA described in Salmonella enterica server Typhi. It was discovered by deep sequencing analysis. Northern blot and RACE analysis confirmed the transcription of this antisense RNA and estimated it to be 540 nucleotides long. AsdA is expressed mostly in the stationary phase of the bacterial growth and under iron limitation and osmotic stress. Overexpression of AsdA increases dnaA mRNA level suggesting that the antisense RNA increases the stability of dnaA mRNA enhancing its translation.