Entwicklung spezifischer Oligonukleotid-bindender Peptidfragmente aus dem Xenopus laevis double-stranded RNA-binding protein ZFa (English shop)

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Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) plays a decisive role in many biological processes, including carcinogenesis, defence against viruses, the processing of cellular RNA and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Although the structures of a few dsRNA-binding proteins have now been elucidated, the mechanisms underlying these processes remain largely unknown.

Starting from the dsRNA-binding protein ZFa from Xenopus laevis (dsRBP-ZFa), this work presents various peptides. The peptides are intended to mimic the helix-turn-helix motifs of two zinc finger domains of the protein, which are presumed to be responsible for dsRNA recognition.

In addition to the synthesis and structural characterisation of the compounds prepared, binding studies with diverse oligonucleotide motifs using various biophysical methods are also presented. Individual peptides display interesting behaviour with regard to their interaction with certain double-stranded RNA and DNA motifs.