Ribozymes: Their functions and strategies for their use

The ability to alter genes in order to regulate their expression has become an undeniable reality. This can be performed in vitro and in cells, and the possibility of treating diseases and even preventing them now exists through such gene manipulation. A particularly intriguing form of manipulation that has been investigated for just over a decade is one that involves the use of ribozymes. These are short segments of RNA that form complementary base-pairing with mRNA. However, it is their enzymatic properties that set them apart from other antisense RNA molecules and allow them to cleave and destroy mRNA in a very specific manner. The ribozyme then dissociates from the cleaved substrate RNa, and repeatedly hybridizes to and cleaves additional substrate RNA molecules. Problems being addressed as this technology evolves involve optimization of ribozyme:substrate binding efficiencies and their effective transmission into cells. This article points out the origin of ribozymes, analyzes and summarizes the current strategies for designing ribozymes, and outlines a basic procedure for ribozyme development.