Directed evolution of nucleic acids

Prerequisites to this approach are methods of incorporating non-natural moieties at predetermined positions in the biopolymer. This volume is meant to serve as a source in this respect describing the state of the art of some major lines of attack with this goal in mind. As a modern alternative, the creation of novel catalysts by directed evolution of nucleic acid aptamers is included. In this case, too, it is of prime importance to learn about the structural details which cooperate to bring about the catalytic function underlying the selection process. 

Joyce, G. F. (2004). Directed evolution of nucleic acid enzymes. Annu. Rev. Biochem. 73, 791-836. 

DIRECTED EVOLUTION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS 10.4.1.3 Applications of aptamers... 

Exploring the Capabilities of Nucleic Acid Polymerases by Use of Directed Evolution... 

Of some relevance to this review is adenine, which is a component of nucleic acids, and of key nucleotide coenzymes like NAD". This base, and its nucleosides and nucleotides 35>, exhibit a single reduction wave, with about the same total current as the parent purine, of the magnitude expected for a 4e process15,153). On controlled-potential electrolysis, however, it undergoes a 6e reduction to give the same product as does purine in its overall 4e reduction 15,35,36 153), as shown in Scheme 25. The reduction of adenine is accompanied by catalytic hydrogen evolution, so that it is not possible to determine directly the number of electrons involved. 

Today, the evolution of genes, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and the action of messenger RNA (mRNA) are three major targets of research. mRNA contains the blueprint for every protein in the body. It is transcribed from a DNA template, and carries information to ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis. The sequences of nucleic acid polymers are translated by transfer RNA (tRNA) into amino acid polymers. tRNA recognizes the three-nucleotide sequences that encode each amino acid. Ribosomal RNA directs the ribosome s production of proteins. Codons carry the messages that terminate protein synthesis. 

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