Improving Metal Ion Specificity During In Vitro Selection of Catalytic DNA

Authors: Bruesehoff P.J.; Li J.; Augustine III A.J.; Lu Y.

Source: Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening, Volume 5, Number 4, June 2002 , pp. 327-335(9)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Metal ions play important roles in both the structure and function of catalytic DNA and RNA. While most natural catalytic RNA molecules (ribozymes) are active in solutions containing Mg2+, in vitro selection makes it possible to search for new catalytic DNA / RNA that are specific for other metal ions. However, previous studies have indicated that the in vitro selection protocols often resulted in catalytic DNA / RNA that were equally active or sometimes even more active with metal ions other than the metal ion of choice. To improve the metal ion specificity during the in vitro selection process, we implemented a negative selection strategy where the nucleic acid pool was subjected to a solution containing competing metal ions. As a result, those nucleic acids that were active with those metal ions are discarded. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the negative selection strategy, we carried out two parallel in vitro selections of Co2+- dependent catalytic DNA. When no negative selection was used in the selection process, the resulting catalytic DNA molecules were more active in solutions of Zn2+ and Pb2+ than in Co2+. On the other hand, when the negative selection steps were inserted between the normal positive selection steps, the resulting catalytic DNA molecules were much more active with Co2+ than in other metal ions including Zn2+ and Pb2+. These results suggest strongly that in vitro selection can be used to obtain highly active and specific transition metal iondependent catalytic DNA / RNA, which hold great promise as versatile and efficient endonucleases as well as sensitive and selective metal ion sensors.

Keywords: Metal Ion Specificity; Catalytic DNA; Negative Selection Strategy

Language: English

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1386207023330264

Publication date: 2002-06-01

• Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening publishes full length original research articles and reviews describing various topics in combinatorial chemistry (e.g. small molecules, peptide, nucleic acid or phage display libraries) and/or high throughput screening (e.g. developmental, practical or theoretical). Ancillary subjects of key importance, such as robotics and informatics, will also be covered by the journal. In these respective subject areas, Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening is intended to function as the most comprehensive and up-to-date medium available. The journal should be of value to individuals engaged in the process of drug discoveryand development, in the settings of industry, academia or government.

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Pharmacology
• By this author: Bruesehoff P.J. ;  Li J. ;  Augustine III A.J. ;  Lu Y.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers