Work

Ribozymes that use redox cofactors

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: This review summarizes the history and most recent advances in aptamers and ribozymes that bind and use redox (reduction–oxidation) cofactors. Redox reactions, catalyzed by protein enzymes in an extant world, play a central role in the metabolism of numerous biological molecules in the living organisms. The burden of catalyzing these reactions in a pre-protein-based world (i.e., the hypothesized RNA World) could have been borne by RNA molecules. To this end, we raise a fundamental question: can RNA accelerate the redox chemical transformation? We hope that this article will be able to shed light on this intriguing question.

Source: Pure and Applied Chemistry

DOI: 10.1351/pac200476071525

Authors: S. Tsukiji, K. Ramaswamy, H. Suga

Institutions: Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, The University of Tokyo

Language: English

Topic: RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Science Foundation, University at Buffalo, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

Award: Structure and Function of Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Ribozyme