Abstract:The stringent response refers to a process in which bacteria respond to nutrient deprivation and environmental stress by synthesizing the alarmones guanosine tetra- and penta-phosphate (collective referred to as (p)ppGpp) under the catalysis of the RelA/SpoT enzyme, which induces the shut-down of the transcription of rRNAs, tRNA, and ribosomal protein genes, thereby halting the translation of proteins and tightly controlling most metabolic activities. Stringent response is a key mechanism employed by the majority of bacteria to cope with adversity. The Chinese publications have inconsistent translations of "stringent response". In view of this problem, we analyzed and discussed the regulatory mechanism, physiological function, and literal meaning of stringent response, and determined a more reasonable and accurate Chinese translation of this term.
