New DNA enzyme targeting Egr-1 mRNA inhibits vascular smooth muscle proliferation and regrowth after injury.

Santiago, F S; Lowe, H C; Kavurma, M M; Chesterman, C N; Baker, A; Atkins, D G; Khachigian, L M · Nat Med · 1999

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) binds to the promoters of many genes whose products influence cell movement and replication in the artery wall. Here we targeted Egr-1 using a new class of DNA-based enzyme that specifically cleaved Egr-1 mRNA, blocked induction of Egr-1 protein, and inhibited cell proliferation and wound repair in culture. The DNA enzyme also inhibited Egr-1 induction and neointima formation after balloon injury to the rat carotid artery wall. These findings demonstrate the utility of DNA enzymes as biological tools to delineate the specific functions of a given gene, and implicate catalytic nucleic acid molecules composed entirely of DNA as potential therapeutic agents.

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