DicF RNA

DicF RNA is a non-coding RNA that is an antisense inhibitor of cell division gene ftsZ. DicF is bound by the Hfq protein which enhances its interaction with its targets. Pathogenic "E. coli" strains possess multiple copies of sRNA DicF in their genomes, while non-pathogenic strains do not. DicF and Hfq are both necessary to reduce FtsZ protein levels, leading to cell filamentation under anaerobic conditions.