Scripps scientists create new approach to destroy disease-associated RNAs in cells

Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have developed a new approach to alter the function of RNA in living cells by designing molecules that recognize and disable RNA targets. As a proof of principle, in the new study the team designed a molecule that disabled the RNA causing myotonic dystrophy.

The study, published online ahead of print on December 20, 2012 by the journal Angewandte Chemie, reports the creation of small molecules that recognise disease-associated RNAs, targeting them for destruction. Since small molecules are cell-permeable, the approach could have benefits over traditional methods of targeting RNAs for degradation, such as antisense or RNA interference (RNAi).

''We're excited about these results,'' said Matthew Disney, an associate professor at TSRI who pioneered the research. ''This approach may allow for the inactivation of many cellular RNAs by small molecules and potentially lead the way to a whole range of novel therapeutics.''

It's well known that gene expression can be controlled by triggering the degradation of messenger RNA-the blueprint for the production of proteins. This is accomplished through the recruitment of compounds that cleave or split the molecule.

While several compounds can induce RNA cleavage in vitro, this has not been accomplished efficiently in living cells - until now.

In the new study, Disney and research associate Lirui Guan attached a rationally designed small molecule that targets the RNA that causes myotonic dystrophy type 1 with a molecule that produces hydroxyl radicals. Upon the small molecule's recognition of the target, a hydroxyl radical was released that cleaved the disease-associated RNA, alleviating the disease-associated defects. Disney noted that, despite the compound's producing a highly reactive species, the compounds are non-toxic at relatively effective doses.