In Vitro Selection and Characterization of Transition Metal -Dependent DNAzymes and RNAzymes

Abstract

These DNAzymes are dependent on Co2+ for cleavage activity. By exploiting the electronic properties of Co2+, we have used UV-Visible spectroscopy to obtain a better understanding of the metal binding properties of the selected DNAzyme systems. Through analysis of the spectroscopic and metal binding properties of these systems, in conjunction with the activity properties, a better understanding of how metals are binding in these systems has been developed. A previously selected DNAzyme system, the "8-17" motif, and a naturally-occurring RNAzyme system, the hammerhead motif, were also further examined in terms of the diversity of conditions under which RNA cleavage activity is supported.