An effective and simple technology is required to identify genes that function in a particular phenotype of interest. A system for identification of genes with libraries of randomized ribozymes has a great potential to investigate gene functions and cellular pathways. This system has been used to identify genes that are relevant to several phenotypes. In vivo application of the library of ribozymes in mice model was also performed to identify genes involved in metastasis. Libraries of ribozymes might be used in vitro and in vivo to study various aspects of basic cell biology and disease processes including metastasis.
Gene Function Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Central 4, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba Science City 305-8562, Japan.
