Lead Inventor:
Anna Marie Pyle, Ph.D.
Synthetic Olignonucleotide Sequence with Conserved Group II Intron Catalytic Region
The invention is for the design of a synthetic oligonucleotide sequence which includes a conserved group II intron catalytic region. The catalytic oligonucleotide sequence, or ribozyme, can be designed to hybridize with any oligonucleotide target. The modified group II intron is capable acting as a catalyst to cleave the predetermined nucleic acid target. Also included is the appropriate oligonucleotide co-factor.
Ribozymes Can be Designed to Hybridize with any Olignonucleotide Target
Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules that have the ability to recognize and cut specific RNA molecules leading to their inactivation and thus gene silencing. The cleavage specificity of ribozymes is determined by their hybridizing antisense arms which bind to complementary mRNA. The specificity and catalytic activity of ribozymes make them excellent candidates for therapeutics. Ribozyme-based therapies may be directed at specific gene products which are involved in human disease pathology. Ribozyme-based therapies have applications as anti-virals and in cancer therapy. Ribozymes can be designed as directed to target both viral genes, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and other genes of interest.
Patent Status: Patent Issued (US 5,872,241)
Licensing Status: Available for Licensing