Organisms use nucleotide-based signaling molecules to translate environmental stimuli into changes in metabolism and behavior. A class of RNA-derived signaling molecules, 2’,3’-cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (2’,3’-cNMPs), are produced by bacteria in response to stress.  The role of 2',3' cNMPs in E. coli, the processes controlled by 2’,3’-cNMP levels, and the proteins involved in the signaling pathways were observed. The significance of this project is they are found in all organisms.