RNA as a drug target

RNA is an important component of cells, contributing to the flux of information between genes and proteins and to several key steps in the regulation of cell life, some of which unknown only few years ago. In the field of medicinal chemistry RNA as a drug target has been long neglected, since, besides antisense molecules, only few classes of drugs exert their therapeutic action by targeting RNA. The best known examples are aminoglycosides, well known antibiotics whose target is the bacterial ribosome. More information about RNA structure, new roles in biological function, key sequence motifs and intricate three-dimensional folds that may represent specific cellular targets are opening up a new wave of interest for RNA targeting agents with promising applications in many fields. Given the new interest in developing RNA binding compounds, we devised an experimental approach to the discovery of specific RNA interactive molecules based on available libraries of DNA intercalators. Our aim is to learn the molecular features that allow intercalators to recognize RNA, and specific RNA such as TAR in particular. Besides, this approach would allow the re-development of molecules synthesized as antitumor agents as new leads for the development of antiviral drugs.