Antigene sequences and ribozymes

Antigene sequences and ribozymes form two additional classes of antisense agents. However, the therapeutic potential of these agents is only now beginning to be appraised. Certain RNA sequences can function as catalysts. These so-called ribozymes function to catalyse cleavage at specific sequences in a specific mRNA substrate. Many ribozymes will cleave their target mRNA where there exists a particular triplet nucleotide sequence G-U-C. Statistically, it is likely that this triplet will occur at least once in most mRNAs. 

Every few decades, a medical innovation is perfected that profoundly influences the practice of medicine. Widespread vaccination against common infectious agents and the discovery of antibiotics serve as two such examples. Many scientists now believe that the potential of gene therapy and antisense technology rivals even the most significant medical advances achieved to date. 

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