Enolase binds to RnpA in competition with PNPase in Staphylococcus aureus.

The RNA degradosome of the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus regulates the metabolism of RNA, the expression of virulence factors, and the formation of biofilms. It is composed of the RNases J1/J2, RNase Y, CshA, PNPase, Enolase, Pfk, and a newly identified component, RnpA. However, the function and new partners of RnpA in RNA degradosome remain unknown. Here, we identified PNPase and Enolase as two novel partners for RnpA. Further studies revealed that Enolase interacts with RnpA in competition with PNPase. Enzymatic assays showed that RnpA increases Enolase activity but has no effect on PNPase. These findings provide more information about the functional relationship between RnpA and RNA degradosome.