Classification of the nucleolytic ribozymes based upon catalytic mechanism

David M. J. Lilley (Lead / Corresponding author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    35 Citations (Scopus)
    177 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The nucleolytic ribozymes carry out site-specific RNA cleavage reactions by nucleophilic attack of the 2'-oxygen atom on the adjacent phosphorus with an acceleration of a million-fold or greater. A major part of this arises from concerted general acid-base catalysis. Recent identification of new ribozymes has expanded the group to a total of nine and this provides a new opportunity to identify sub-groupings according to the nature of the general base and acid. These include nucleobases, hydrated metal ions, and 2'-hydroxyl groups. Evolution has selected a number of different combinations of these elements that lead to efficient catalysis. These differences provide a new mechanistic basis for classifying these ribozymes.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number1462
    Number of pages10
    JournalF1000Research
    Volume8
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 19 Aug 2019

    Keywords

    • Nucleolytic ribozymes
    • general acid-base catalysis
    • metal ions

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
    • General Immunology and Microbiology
    • Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Classification of the nucleolytic ribozymes based upon catalytic mechanism'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this