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Novel and variant ribozymes obtained through in vitro selection
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. taopan@midway.uchicago.edu
Current Opinion in Chemical Biology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Ribozymes are RNA enzymes that catalyze reactions. In vitro selection has discovered new ribozymes with catalytic abilities beyond natural RNA enzymes, expanding their potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- RNA Catalysis
Background:
- Ribozymes are RNA molecules with enzymatic activity.
- Natural ribozymes typically catalyze phosphodiester bond cleavage and ligation.
- The catalytic repertoire of natural ribozymes is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of in vitro selection for discovering novel ribozymes.
- To expand the known catalytic functions of RNA molecules.
- To investigate ribozymes capable of catalyzing reactions beyond phosphodiester bonds.
Main Methods:
- In vitro selection (SELEX) of RNA libraries.
- Isolation and characterization of catalytic RNA molecules.
- Assays to determine enzymatic activity and substrate specificity.
Main Results:
- Identification of novel ribozymes with diverse catalytic functions.
- Demonstration of in vitro selected ribozymes catalyzing reactions at phosphodiester and carbon bonds.
- Expansion of the catalytic scope beyond naturally occurring ribozymes.
Conclusions:
- In vitro selection is a powerful tool for discovering novel ribozymes.
- Engineered ribozymes exhibit catalytic capabilities exceeding those of natural counterparts.
- These findings broaden the scope of RNA catalysis and its potential applications.