Phage lambda small RNA PreS hijacks host dnaN to enhance DNA replication and the lytic cycle (Molecular Cell)

Silverman and colleagues used RIL-seq to map RNA–RNA interactions in Escherichia coli during phage lambda infection, reported in Molecular Cell, and identified a phage-encoded small RNA, PreS (phage replication enhancer sRNA), embedded in the early left operon. PreS regulates essential host genes including dnaN, which encodes the DNA polymerase β sliding clamp, thereby enhancing DNA replication and fine-tuning the phage lytic cycle.