Publication Date

1990

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Hampel, Arnold E.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

LCSH

Catalytic RNA

Abstract

Over the past ten years science has seen a gradual development of a new technology which involves the use of catalytic RNA molecules termed ribozymes. These unique forms of RNA have been shown to accurately and efficiently cleave heterologous RNAs in vitro and evidence is now emerging that may show that ribozymes can function in an in vivo enviroment. The purpose of this study is to present evidence of in vivo ribozyme activity on the phenotypic and molecular level. A ribozyme of the hairpin type was incorporated into the genome of Chinese hamster ovary cells along with its target, the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase gene, via calcium phosphate precipitation. A sensitive assay was developed using the endonuclease Si and radioactive probes to search for the presence of the ribozyme, the presence of CAT mRNA and the expected cleavage products. The outcome of the experiment was hindered by the unexpected instability of CAT mRNA driven by the promoter used in this study. The stable existence of the ribozyme however was confirmed.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [61]-67)

Extent

67 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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