FIG. 3.

The rpoS translational control network. rpoS mRNA is thought to occur in at least two different conformations, one being a more closed structure with the translation initiation region base paired to an upstream internal antisense element, and the other being a more open and translationally competent structure. The translation-stimulating factors Hfq, HU, and DsrA RNA can bind to rpoS mRNA (indicated by broken heavy lines) and together probably drive it into the translationally competent structure. The other components shown are likely to act more indirectly (for further details, see the text).