Use of DNAzymes for cancer research and therapy

Abstract

DNAzymes (Dzs) are single-stranded DNA catalysts that specifically cleave the mRNA of targeted genes. Compared with other gene-silencing technologies, such as ribozymes, antisense oligonucleotide and small interference RNA (siRNA), DNAzymes have several advantages, including small molecular weight, diversity, low cost and relative stability in serum. With the evolution of molecular technology, the first DNAzyme was generated in vitro in 1994. From then on, DNAzymes have been studied in order to understand their structures, chemistry and biological applications. Particularly, DNAzymes have been widely applied as a new interference strategy in the treatment of many conditions, including cancer, viral diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. This review mainly summarizes the use of DNAzymes in the areas of cancer research and therapy. © 2012 The Author(s).