Selection of RNA aptamers that bind HIV-1 LTR DNA duplexes: strand invaders.

ABSTRACT: RNA that can specifically bind to double-stranded DNA is of interest because it might be used as a means to regulate transcription of the target genes. To explore possible interactions between RNA and duplex DNA, we selected for RNA aptamers that can bind to the long terminal repeats (LTRs) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 DNA. The selected aptamers were classified into four major groups based on the consensus sequences, which were found to locate in the non-stem regions of the predicted RNA secondary structures, consistent with roles in target binding. Analysis of the aptamer consensus sequences suggested that the conserved segments could form duplexes via Watson-Crick base-pairing with preferred sequences in one strand of the DNA, assuming the aptamer invaded the duplex. The aptame

SUBMITTER: Srisawat C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3001068 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature