DNAzymes as potential therapeutic molecules
Isaka, Y.
Current Opinion in Molecular Therapeutics 9(2): 132-136
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 1464-8431 PMID: 17458166 Document Number: 607639
Numerous DNA-based biopharmaceuticals are able to control disease progression by induction and/or inhibition of genes. These potent therapeutics include plasmids containing transgenes, antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, ribozymes, DNAzymes and short interfering RNAs. DNAzymes, which cleave RNA substrates in a sequence-specific manner, have been studied as potential therapeutics to target pathogenic mRNAs, and may yield drugs that are safer than those currently available. This reviewo discusses the structural design of DNAzymes and their modification for stability. Their therapeutic application and use as biomarkers is also discussed.