Nucleic acid catalysts: From the origin of life to modern applications

Naturally occurring ribozymes have been discovered, characterized, and used for ribozyme engineering. Furthermore, the powerful method of in vitro evolution has enabled the development of numerous artificial catalysts that mediate a wide range of reactions. Thus, although originally composed of RNA, nucleic acid catalysts nowadays also include DNAzymes and, more recently, XNAzymes. In recent years, research in this area has shifted its focus from discovery and analysis to engineering and application. In origin of life research, interest in developing an RNA replicase remains strong, and there have been exciting developments in this area. This review discusses significant advancements in the field over the past two years, including ribozymes for RNA replication, the importance of RNA structural plasticity and the intersection of ribozyme sequences for evolving new catalysts, RNA-modifying ribozymes, various ribozymes and DNAzymes, and a TNAzyme for specific applications.