Deoxyribozymes are DNA sequences capable of catalytic activity, including RNA cleavage and ligation. In addition to serving as biochemical tools, deoxyribozymes have also been used in other applications, including sensors. While characterizing RNA-ligating deoxyribozymes identified by our lab using in vitro selection, we discovered that the inclusion of organic cosolvents, including ethanol and DMSO, does not inhibit and, in some cases, enhances deoxyribozyme activity. We also determined that the inclusion of ethanol can lower the concentration of divalent metal ion necessary for catalysis. Similar studies of RNA-cleaving deoxyribozymes by our lab have also shown that organic cosolvents can alter catalytic activity. We are currently investigating how organic cosolvents affect the divalent metal ion requirements for a collection of RNA-cleaving deoxyribozymes. The implications of these results on deoxyribozyme applications will be discussed.

Influence of organic cosolvents on deoxyribozyme activity

245th National Meeting (2013)

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