| abstract |
The present invention discloses nucleic acid enzymes capable of cleaving nucleic acid molecules, including single-stranded DNA, in a site-specific manner under physiologic conditions, as well as compositions including same. The present invention also discloses methods of making and using the disclosed enzymes and compositions. The present invention further discloses nucleic acid enzymes or catalytic (enzymatic) RNA molecules that are capable of cleaving a variety of bonds, including phosphodiester bonds and amide bonds, in a variety of substrates. Thus, various disclosed enzymatic RNA molecules are capable of functioning as nucleases, amidases, and/or peptidases. The present invention also relates to compositions containing the disclosed catalytic RNA molecules and to methods of making, selecting, and using such enzymes and compositions. |