Abstract: Combinatorial methods have been used to generate nucleic acid molecules with specific characteristics. Aptamers are nucleic acid binding species, and can be modified to directly transduce molecular recognition to optical signals. Aptazymes are allosteric or effector-activated ribyzymes. We have designed or selected aptazymes that are responsive to a variety of ligands. In particular, we have selected a ribozyme ligase that is activated 10,000-fold in the presence of an oligonucleotide effector, and have designed ligases that are up to 1,600-fold dependent on small molecule effectors. Even in those instances where designed constructs were initially unresponsive, we have been able to use selection to optimize their response characteristics.!29
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