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Molecular DIY with hairpins and hammerheads

Ribozymes can inhibit gene expression in a sequence-specific manner by catalysing cleavage of target messenger RNAs. They can also be used to for DIY (do-it-yourself) surgery on defective RNAs. The potential therapeutic applications of these ribozyme properties were discussed at a recent meeting.

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Akhtar, S., James, H. & Gibson, I. Molecular DIY with hairpins and hammerheads. Nat Med 1, 300–302 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1038/nm0495-300

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