Selection of Fast-Hybridizing Complementary RNA Species In Vitro

For naturally occurring antisense-regulated systems, it has been found that the rate for the association of complementary RNA strands in vitro reflects the biological effectiveness of the antisense RNA in vivo (1 ). Recently, a similar correlation has been identified for artificial HIV-1-directed antisense RNA in human cells (2 ). In the case of ribozymes, i.e., molecules that first bind their target via complementary sequences and, subsequently, hydrolyze the cleavable motif, it is reasonable to assume that the biological effectiveness in living cells is influenced by the ability of fast association as well. Thus, one could conclude that the identification of fast-hybridizing ribozyme species supports the search for biologically effective ones.