Deoxyribozymes are DNA sequences with catalytic activity.  One particular activity, RNA ligation, could be useful in several applications, including sensors.  After carrying out in vitro selections for new deoxyribozymes dependent on a small molecule for activity, we determined the resulting sequences did not require the small molecule. However, several of the deoxyribozymes had increased ligation activity in the presence of methanol.  To further investigate these cosolvent effects, we carried out RNA ligation reactions using these new deoxyribozymes, as well as several previously identified deoxyribozymes, in the presence of various organic cosolvents.  We determined that cosolvents do not inhibit and, in some cases, enhance the activity of RNA-ligating deoxyribozymes.  The implications of these results will be discussed.

Enhanced activity of RNA-ligating deoxyribozymes in organic cosolvents

244th National Meeting (2012)

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