Thus, Rli51 can regulate gene expression through two different mechanisms: (i) as a cis-acting sRNA, where Rli51 would contribute to preventing leaky mpl transcription under non-infection conditions by mediating a conditional PTT, and (ii) as a trans-acting sRNA, where increased Rli51 levels in intracellular bacteria would contribute to fine tuning a pathogen’s response to the environment encountered within eukaryotic cell compartments. The gene discussed is MPL; the disease is infection.