Despite a half century of structural, biophysical and biochemical investigations of ribonucleic acids, they are still mysterious. RNAs stand at fertile crossroads of disciplines, integrating concepts from genomics, proteomics, dynamics as well as biochemistry and molecular biology. From 20 years it is clear, that genetic regulation of eukaryotic organisms has been misunderstood for the last years that the expression of genetic information is effected only by proteins. Basic understanding of nucleic acids has enhanced our foundation to probe novel biological functions. This is especially evident for RNA molecules whose functionality, maturation, and regulation require formation of correct secondary structure through encoded base-pairing interactions.
For this RNA Technologies volume a world-wide outstanding group of RNA specialists are contributing the most recent developments in this fast moving field of RNA molecular biology. The book features up-to-date information of our current knowledge on antisense, ribozyme, micro RNA, and DNAzyme strategies, as well as on other small RNAs from eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and the employment of chemical modifications to stabilize ribonucleic acids for their use in living cells.
This volume is not only excellent reading for the expert in the field of RNA technologies, but also for those interested in entering this field as a chemist, molecular biologist or as a medical doctor interested in RNA therapeutics of the future.
