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Targeting RNA with Small-Molecule Drugs: Therapeutic Promise and Chemical Challenges

2001; American Chemical Society; Volume: 34; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1021/ar000118k

1520-4898

José Gallego, Gabriele Varani,

Viral Infections and Immunology Research

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.