Computer Design, Synthesis and Hydrolytic Activity of Peptidic Artificial Ribonucleases

Abstract

An RNA cleaving catalyst combined to an antisense DNA may represent a new approach for gene targeted . therapy . As cleaving agents, we used basic polypeptides under the -sheet or a.-helix conformations. Molecular modeling studies were used in an attempt to design a second generation of artificial ribonucleases, taking into account the three-dimensional arrangement of functional groups in the peptide/RNA complexes. Such computer aid in rational design processes appears as an original and promising approach .