Small proteins, here defined as proteins of 50 amino acids or fewer in the absence of
processing, have traditionally been overlooked due to challenges in their annotation and …

Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) that act by base-pairing were first discovered in so-called
accessory DNA elements—plasmids, phages, and transposons—where they control …

Circadian clocks create a 24-hour temporal structure, which allows organisms to occupy a
niche formed by time rather than space. They are pervasive throughout nature, yet they …

Background Standardized and well-characterized genetic building blocks are a prerequisite
for the convenient and reproducible assembly of novel genetic modules and devices. While …

Small open reading frames (smORFs) shorter than 100 codons are widespread and perform
essential roles in microorganisms, where they encode proteins active in several cell …

The gram-positive human pathogen Clostridioides difficile has emerged as the leading
cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, little is known about the bacterium's …

The obligate anaerobic, enteric pathogen Clostridioides difficile persists in the intestinal tract
by forming antibiotic‐resistant endospores that contribute to relapsing and recurrent …

The seven extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma (σ) factors of Bacillus subtilis are broadly
implicated in resistance to antibiotics and other cell envelope stressors mediated, in part, by …

Highlights•Small proteins can be secreted or not.•Small proteins can be used in
communication between bacteria or phages.•Small proteins can be used as bacteriocins in …

Historically, small proteins (sproteins) of less than 50 amino acids, in their final processed
forms or genetically encoded as such, have been understudied. However, both serendipity …