Abstract
A shortened form of the Tetrahymena self-splicing ribosomal RNA intervening sequence acts as an endoribonuclease, catalysing the cleavage of large RNA molecules by a mechanism involving guanosine transfer. The sequence specificity approaches that of the DNA restriction endonucleases. Site-specific mutagenesis of the enzyme active site alters the substrate sequence specificity in a predictable manner, so that endoribonucleases can be synthesized to cut at a variety of tetranucleotide sequences.
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Zaug, A., Been, M. & Cech, T. The Tetrahymena ribozyme acts like an RNA restriction endonuclease. Nature 324, 429–433 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1038/324429a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/324429a0
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