Non-coding pervasive transcription initiating from cryptic signals or resulting from terminator read-through is widespread in all organisms. Its biological role is well-established in eukaryotes, but poorly understood in bacteria. Two major mechanisms control bacterial pervasive transcription: transcription termination by Rho and RNA degradation by RNases. Our recent data suggest a connection between these two pathways. The multidisciplinary project CoNoCo aims to define the mutual contributions of Rho and RNase III in the control of pervasive transcription in the Gram-positive model bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Staphyloccoccus aureus. It will also establish the roles of the non-coding transcriptome in bacterial cell biology highlighted by recent discoveries of Rho-mediated regulation of B. subtilis cell differentiation and the involvement of the double-strand specific RNase III in gene regulation by small non-coding RNAs.