Hidden ribozymes in eukaryotic genome sequence.
The small self-cleaving ribozymes fold into complex tertiary structures to promote autocatalytic cleavage or ligation at a precise position within their sequence. Until recently, relatively few examples had been identified. Two papers now reveal that self-cleaving ribozymes are prevalent in eukaryotic genomes and, in some cases, might play a role in regulating gene expression.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School 364 Plantation Street, LRB-906, Worcester, MA 01605 USA.
Sean P
SP
Ryder