Selection and characterization of an RNA decoy for transcription factor NF-k

A small RNA aptamer that binds with nanomolar affinity to human transcription factor NF-kB was isolated by in vitro selection. Selected RNAs have 31-nucleotide core domains that were necessary and sufficient for NF-kB binding. The results showed that the binding of the RNA aptamer blocks the ability of NF-kB to bind duplex DNA. This expression of the aptamer structure within heterologous nuclear transcripts provide a new method to inhibit NF-k function in vivo.