Designed molecules that recognize specific sequences within chromosomal DNA could provide useful probes for natural cellular processes, tools for laboratory experimentation, and lead compounds for therapeutic development. It was discovered that duplex DNA could be recognized by conjugates consisting of DNA oligonucleotides and cationic proteins or peptides. Similarly efficient recognition by neutral peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) was observed. It was found that duplex RNAs could also mediate efficient recognition of duplex DNA. RNAs can target transcription start sites and either inhibit or activate gene expression. This indicates that promoter-targeted RNAs can be powerful tools for regulating gene expression.

from Corey, DR (2008) RNA-Mediated Recognition of Chromosomal DNA. In: Morris , K.V. (Ed.) RNA and the Regulation of Gene Expression: A Hidden Layer of Complexity. Caister Academic Press, Norfolk, UK.

Labels: expression, gene regulation, PNA, promoter, regulation, RNA, therapeutics

Hammerhead ribozymes are the smallest known naturally occurring ribozymes which are capable of catalyzing the endonucleolytic trans-esterification of RNA. A recent re-examination of the catalytic properties of naturally-derived hammerhead ribozymes has resulted in a better understanding of the catalytic efficiency of this enzyme in vitro and in vivo. The minimal trans-cleaving hammerhead ribozyme has been a ubiquitous tool in both genomics and therapeutics research over the last twenty years and these new insights into hammerhead ribozyme biochemistry may offer hope for the generation of improved trans-cleaving ribozymes which function effectively in vivo. Next-generation hammerhead ribozymes may play an important role as therapeutic agents, as enzymes which tailor defined RNA sequences, as biosensors, and for applications in functional genomics and gene discovery.

from Hean and Weinberg in Chapter 1 from RNA and the Regulation of Gene Expression

Further reading: RNA and the Regulation of Gene Expression

Labels: biosensor, genomics, hammerhead ribozyme, regulation, ribozyme, ribozymes, RNA, therapeutics