Download MendeleyMolecular insights into de novo small-molecule recognition by an intron RNA structure.
Liu, T., Xu, L., Chung, K., Sisto, L.J., Hwang, J., Zhang, C., Van Zandt, M.C., Pyle, A.M.(2025) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 122: e2502425122-e2502425122
- PubMed: 40339124
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2502425122
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
9MQS, 9MQT, 9MQU - PubMed Abstract:
Despite the promise of vastly expanding the druggable genome, rational design of RNA-targeting ligands remains challenging as it requires the rapid identification of hits and visualization of the resulting cocomplexes for guiding optimization. Here, we leveraged high-throughput screening, medicinal chemistry, and structural biology to identify a de novo splicing inhibitor against a large and highly folded fungal group I intron. High-resolution cryoEM structures of the intron in different liganded states not only reveal molecular interactions that rationalize experimental structure-activity relationship but also shed light on a unique strategy whereby RNA-associated metal ions and RNA conformation exhibit exceptional plasticity in response to small-molecule binding. This study reveals general principles that govern RNA-ligand recognition, the interplay between chemical bonding specificity, and dynamic responses within an RNA target.
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511.
Organizational Affiliation:
