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Thomas R. Cech, PhD

JAMA. 1988;260(20):3030-3034.

Abstract
Certain RNA molecules can mediate their own cleavage or splicing or act as enzymes to promote reactions on substrate RNA molecules. Thus, RNA is not restricted to being a passive carrier of genetic information but can have an active role in directing cellular biochemistry. These findings suggest the possibility that other cellular RNAs, including the RNA components of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins, of the ribosome, and of various ribonucleoprotein enzymes, are catalysts. RNA enzymes (ribozymes) can be used as sequence-specific RNA cleavage agents in vitro, providing useful tools for biochemical studies of RNA. On a more speculative note, ribozymes directed against viral RNAs have the potential of serving as therapeutic agents. Finally, some infectious agents, including hepatitis 8 virus and perhaps poliovirus and rhinoviruses, are themselves ribozymes, providing potential targets for pharmaceuticals.

(JAMA 1988;260:3030-3034)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder.

Footnotes
Based on a lecture given at the presentation of the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award, New York, Nov 18,1988.

Reprints not available.

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