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Acyl-CoAs from coenzyme ribozymes.

Vasant R Jadhav1, Michael Yarus

  • 1Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-03, USA.

Biochemistry
|January 16, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Novel ribozymes were selected to attach coenzyme A (CoA) to RNA and catalyze crucial metabolic reactions. This supports the RNA world hypothesis, suggesting RNA could have driven early metabolism using coenzymes.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Origin of Life Studies

Background:

  • The RNA world hypothesis proposes RNA preceded DNA and proteins.
  • Coenzymes are essential for metabolic reactions, but their origin is debated.
  • Understanding RNA's catalytic capabilities is key to exploring early life chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To select novel ribozymes capable of coenzyme A (CoA) reactions.
  • To investigate RNA's potential role in early metabolic pathways.
  • To explore the feasibility of an RNA-based origin for coenzymes.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro selection to isolate functional ribozymes.
  • Development of a trans-capping ribozyme for CoA attachment to RNA.
  • Selection of ribozymes catalyzing acylation reactions using CoA.

Main Results:

  • Successfully selected a trans-capping ribozyme that attaches CoA to RNA.
  • Derived ribozymes that acylate CoA with biotin, producing acetyl-CoA and butyryl-CoA.
  • Demonstrated RNA catalysis can support acyl-CoA formation, a key metabolic step.

Conclusions:

  • RNA catalysis, combined with coenzymes, could have supported early metabolism.
  • The trans-capping method allows for generalized production of coenzyme-modifying ribozymes.
  • The chemical feasibility of an RNA origin for coenzyme A is supported.

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