| This image is the predicted
structure of HIV-1 Tat. The Tat gene encodes a small
protein that functions to regulate transcription from
the HIV-1 promoter or Long Terminal Repeat (LTR). The importance
of Tat to viral replication makes it a prime
target for inhibition.
Catalytic RNAs such as the hammerhead ribozyme act by
cleaving target RNAs and as a result are a potential
means to specifically target viral mRNAs.
Ribozyme-mediated cleavage and elimination of Tat
mRNA would directly inhibit Tat function in the cell. We
are currently testing various hammerhead ribozymes for
their ability to cleave Tat substrate RNA.
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