Ribozymes and the anti-gene therapy: how a catalytic RNA can be used to inhibit gene function

Ribozymes are RNA molecules that possess the dual properties of RNA sequenc e-specific recognition and site-specific cleavage of other RNA molecules. T hese properties provide powerful tools for studies requiring gene inhibitio n, when the DNA sequence is known. The use of these molecules goes beyond b asic research, with a potential impact in therapeutical practice in medicin e in the near future. In this review, we briefly describe the progress towa rds developing this class of molecules and its applications for the control of gene expression. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.