Perspective in Deoxyribonucleic Acid Based Drugs

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 16 (2011) pp 242-250

Perspective in Deoxyribonucleic Acid Based Drugs

Ajay Kumar

Apeejay Stya University, Palwal- Sohna Road, Sohna, Gurgaon, Haryana, ak.gupta59@rediffmail.com
Received May 2, 2011. Accepted July 16, 2011.

Published: 30 September 2011

Abstract. In this paper we outline therapeutic uses of ribonucleic enzymes (ribozymes) and small interfering RNA (siRNA). The discovery of ribozymes is described and the structure of hammerhead ribozymes and their mechanism of catalysis is explained. Application of ribozymes as antiviral agents for the treatment of cancer as well as viral infections is described. The article also describes the history and discovery of siRNA and explains the mechanism of its use as an antiviral agent. Ongoing clinical trials for si RNA-mediated therapeutical approaches are listed.

Key Words: In the Classroom; biochemistry

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: ak.gupta59@rediffmail.com)

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