The First Example of an RNA Urea Synthase: Selection through the Enzyme Active Site of Human Neutrophile Elastase

Abstract

RNA catalysts: In vitro selection from a random library of RNA sequences gave RNA urea synthases able to utilize tripeptides as substrates (see scheme; HNE, human neutrophile elastase). The tripeptide substrates were mechanism-based protease suicide substrates. Stereoselection of serine protease tripeptide phosphonate inhibitors was achieved by RNA catalysis. The RNA urea synthases showed a high degree of diastereoselectivity for the most potent protease suicide inhibitor. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2268/2003/z610_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.