6 - Exploiting RNA: Potential Targets, Screens and Drug Development

Abstract

The functional importance of ribonucleic acid (RNA); participating in almost all macromolecular processes, is well established. RNA motifs regulate RNA processing, messenger RNA (mRNA) translation, stability and localization. The most extensively studied RNAs are those that constitute the ribosome, the ribosomal RNA (rRNAs) are critical to both the structure and function of the ribosome during protein synthesis. These are all examples of potential RNA-based targets. Natural inhibitors of protein synthesis are well documented and therefore ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) can be considered as valid targets for drug development. Detailed knowledge of the structure and function of any target is a key to understand the mechanism of drug action. RNA participates in almost all macromolecular processes including RNA processing, protein synthesis and protein transport.