Targeting RNA with small-molecule drugs: therapeutic promise and chemical challenges.
Researchers' increasing awareness of the essential role played by RNA in many biological processes and in the progression of disease makes the discovery of new RNA targets an emerging field in drug discovery. Since most existing pharmacologically active compounds bind proteins, RNA provides nearly untapped opportunities for pharmacological development. The elucidation of the structure of the ribosome and other cellular and viral RNA motifs creates the opportunity for discovering new drug-like compounds that inhibit RNA function. However, further advances in understanding the chemistry and structure of RNA recognition are needed before these promises are fulfilled.
Gallego
J
J
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QH, UK.
Varani
G
G
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D019295:Computational Biology; D015195:Drug Design; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D012329:RNA, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000187:drug effects*; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012329:RNA, Bacterial; D012367:RNA, Viral