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Updated: May 30, 2026
11:34
Exploring Sequence Space to Identify Binding Sites for Regulatory RNA-Binding Proteins
Published on: August 9, 2019
Finding aptamers and small ribozymes in unexpected places
Katarzyna Matylla-Kulinska1, Jennifer L Boots, Bob Zimmermann
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. RNA
|August 20, 2011
Summary
The discovery of catalytic RNA molecules (ribozymes) and RNA binders (aptamers) has advanced our understanding of life's origins. New genomic tools like Genomic SELEX enable unbiased discovery of these molecules in unexplored biological contexts.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- The discovery of catalytic RNA (ribozymes) revolutionized understanding of early life and RNA's potential functions.
- RNA aptamers, selected for specific binding, were initially developed through meticulous design before natural discovery.
- The vastness of transcriptomes suggests numerous undiscovered ribozymes and aptamers exist within genomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential for discovering novel RNA aptamers and ribozymes.
- To leverage modern genomic and bioinformatics tools for identifying new RNA functions.
- To investigate the untapped potential of transcriptomes and metagenomes for RNA discovery.
Main Methods:
- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) adapted for genomic applications (Genomic SELEX).
- Deep sequencing technologies for high-throughput analysis of RNA populations.
- Sophisticated computational analysis for processing large genomic and metagenomic datasets.
Main Results:
- Genomic SELEX provides access to previously unexplored regions of sequenced genomes.
- Unbiased screening of metagenomes is now feasible for identifying novel RNA molecules.
- Advanced bioinformatics and sequencing empower comprehensive study of diverse genomes.
Conclusions:
- The genomic era offers unprecedented opportunities to discover a wide spectrum of RNA-based molecules.
- New technologies facilitate the exploration of RNA diversity in both known and unknown biological systems.
- Future research can uncover novel ribozymes and aptamers, expanding our knowledge of RNA's role in biology.
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