Figure 5.

Summary of results

Transcription of the G4 sRNA is the first step in Av. In A, RNA polymerase (grey oval) opens the DNA duplex. The sRNA transcript (red line) remains bound to the C rich strand of DNA, while the other DNA strand can fold into a G4 structure (grey structure with three square planes and zig zag loops). In B, reduced transcription causes reduced G4 formation and subsequent Av. In C, RNase H levels are low so R-loops are high, however, R-loop stability is dispensable for G4 levels and pilin Av.