Abstract
Triplex ribozymes allow for the individual activity of multiple trans-acting ribozymes producing higher target cleavage relative to tandem-expressed RZs. A triplex expression system based on a single hairpin ribozyme for the multiple expression (multiplex) vectors can be engineered to target RNAs with single or multiple antisense-accessible sites. System construction relies on triplex expression modules consisting of hairpin ribozyme cassettes flanked by ribozymes lacking catalytic domains. Multiplex vectors can be generated with single or multiple specificity by tandem cloning of triplex expression modules. Triplex ribozymes are initially tested in vitro using cis- and trans-cleavage assays against radioactive-labeled targets. In addition, triplex ribozymes are tested for cis and trans cleavage in vivo by transfection in cultured cells followed by ribonuclease protection assays (RPAs) and RT-PCR. The use of triplex configurations with multiplex ribozymes will provide the basis for the development of future RZ-based therapies and technologies.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Dr. Joseph A. DiPaolo (NCI/NIH) for his unconditional support and encouragement. We also thank Dr. María Luisa Benítez-Hess for excellent technical assistance. This project was partially supported by CONACyT (Grant No. 45715Z).
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Aquino-Jarquin, G., Rojas-Hernández, R., Alvarez-Salas, L.M. (2010). Design and Function of Triplex Hairpin Ribozymes. In: Sioud, M. (eds) RNA Therapeutics. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 629. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-657-3_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-657-3_21
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