Sequence-specific cleavage of RNA in the absence of divalent metal ions by a DNAzyme incorporating imidazolyl and amino functionalities.

ABSTRACT: Two modified 2'-deoxynucleoside 5'-triphosphates have been used for the in vitro selection of a modified deoxyribozyme (DNAzyme) capable of the sequence-specific cleavage of a 12 nt RNA target in the absence of divalent metal ions. The modified nucleotides, a C5-imidazolyl-modified dUTP and 3-(aminopropynyl)-7-deaza-dATP were used in place of TTP and dATP during the selection and incorporate two extra protein-like functionalities, namely, imidazolyl (histidine analogue) and primary amino (lysine analogue) into the DNAzyme. The functional groups are analogous to the catalytic Lys and His residues employed during the metal-independent cleavage of RNA by the protein enzyme RNaseA. The DNAzyme requires no divalent metal ions or other cofactors for catalysis, remains active at physiological pH

SUBMITTER: Sidorov AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC390309 | biostudies-literature | 2004

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature