miRNAta

miRNAta is a term that refers to microRNAs (miRNAs) found in or associated with the bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* (Mtb). While microRNAs are well-established regulatory molecules in eukaryotic cells, their presence and function in prokaryotes are less understood. Research has identified small RNA molecules in Mtb that exhibit characteristics of miRNAs, leading to the coining of the term miRNAta.

These bacterial small RNAs are thought to play roles in regulating gene expression within Mtb, potentially influencing its adaptation to the host environment, persistence, and virulence. The precise mechanisms by which miRNAta are processed, interact with target messenger RNAs, and exert their regulatory effects are still under active investigation. Understanding miRNAta could offer new avenues for developing therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis, a significant global health challenge. Further research is ongoing to fully elucidate the biogenesis, targets, and functional significance of miRNAta in the life cycle of *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*.