(Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology) 1st ed. 2020 Edition
by Harald Seitz (Editor), Frank Stahl (Editor), Johanna-Gabriela Walter (Editor)
This volume reviews numerous reaction mechanisms and applications of
nucleic acids with catalytic activity. Written by an interdisciplinary
team of authors, it provides an essential overview of these acids’
fundamental aspects, while also addressing associated methodologies such
as nucleic acid enzyme engineering, peroxidase-mimicking DNAzymes and
Aptazymes.
After the discovery of natural ribozymes – RNA
molecules that mediate the cleavage and formation of phosphodiester
bonds and the formation of peptide bonds – numerous artificial ribozymes
with altered catalytic activities were produced by in vitro and in vivo
selection. Unlike ribozymes, DNAzymes do not occur in nature. Although
the catalytic activity of nucleic acid enzymes is usually much slower
than that of proteins, nucleic acid enzymes with comparable catalytic
activity have been obtained using stringent selection processes. The key
advantages of these enzymes: they are e.g. smaller, easier to produce
and purify than proteins, and can withstand denaturation, e.g. by heat.
Over
the last few years, the number of publications on the applications of
enzymatic nucleic acids has grown steadily. Summarizing the fundamentals
and applications of these acids, this book will not only be an
excellent resource for experts in the field but will also guide young
researchers just starting out in this significant area.
