Data from: Stress-induced ribosome degradation in Bacillus subtilis is mediated by the RNase Y-specificity complex

In Bacillus subtilis, this can be achieved through the coordinated action of the alarmones (p)ppGpp and the transcription factor Spx. Here, we performed a genetic screen to uncover novel factors contributing to the heat shock response of B. subtilis.

We identified the Y-complex, which confers specificity to the endonuclease RNase Y, as a critical player during stress conditions, such as heat or transition into stationary phase. This protein complex is required for processing diverse RNAs, notably the maturation of mRNAs encoding proteins involved in translation and metabolism. We further demonstrate that the Y-complex and RNase Y initiate the degradation of rRNAs of mature ribosomes, lowering their abundance.