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Proximity-Induced Nucleic Acid Degrader (PINAD) Approach to Targeted RNA Degradation Using Small Molecules.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Repository DOI


Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Mikutis, Sigitas 
Rebelo, Maria 
Yankova, Eliza 
Gu, Muxin 
Tang, Cong 

Abstract

Nature has evolved intricate machinery to target and degrade RNA, and some of these molecular mechanisms can be adapted for therapeutic use. Small interfering RNAs and RNase H-inducing oligonucleotides have yielded therapeutic agents against diseases that cannot be tackled using protein-centered approaches. Because these therapeutic agents are nucleic acid-based, they have several inherent drawbacks which include poor cellular uptake and stability. Here we report a new approach to target and degrade RNA using small molecules, proximity-induced nucleic acid degrader (PINAD). We have utilized this strategy to design two families of RNA degraders which target two different RNA structures within the genome of SARS-CoV-2: G-quadruplexes and the betacoronaviral pseudoknot. We demonstrate that these novel molecules degrade their targets using in vitro, in cellulo, and in vivo SARS-CoV-2 infection models. Our strategy allows any RNA binding small molecule to be converted into a degrader, empowering RNA binders that are not potent enough to exert a phenotypic effect on their own. PINAD raises the possibility of targeting and destroying any disease-related RNA species, which can greatly expand the space of druggable targets and diseases.

Description

Keywords

3404 Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry, 34 Chemical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Coronaviruses, Biotechnology, Genetics, Emerging Infectious Diseases, 5.1 Pharmaceuticals, 2.1 Biological and endogenous factors, Infection, Generic health relevance, 3 Good Health and Well Being

Journal Title

ACS Cent Sci

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2374-7943
2374-7951

Volume Title

9

Publisher

American Chemical Society (ACS)
Sponsorship
Cancer Research UK (23015)
Medical Research Council (MC_PC_17230)