RNA Interferases and Methods of Use Thereof

Abstract

The present invention is directed to the discovery of a novel family of enzymes designated herein as mRNA interferases that exhibit endoribonuclease activity. The novel finding of the present inventors, therefore, presents new applications for which mRNA interferase nucleic and amino acid sequences, and compositions thereof may be used to advantage. The invention also encompasses screening methods to identify compounds/agents capable of modulating mRNA interferase activity and methods for using such compounds/agents. Also provided is a kit comprising mRNA interferase nucleic and/or amino acid sequences, mRNA interferase activity compatible buffers, and instruction materials.

1 .- 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a nucleic acid encoding an mRNA interferase and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said nucleic acid is operably linked to a regulatory element. 
     
     
         37 . The composition according to  claim 36 , wherein the expression of said mRNA interferase is controlled by an inducible regulatory element. 
     
     
         38 . The composition according to  claim 36 , wherein said nucleic acid is placed in an expression vector. 
     
     
         39 . The composition according to  claim 38 , wherein said nucleic acid is placed in a retroviral vector. 
     
     
         40 . The composition according to  claim 36 , wherein said mRNA interferase is a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4.