RNA molecules, similar to proteins, fold into complex structures to confer diverse functions in cells. The intertwining of functions with RNA structures offers a new therapeutic opportunity for small molecules to bind and manipulate disease-relevant RNA pathways, thus creating a therapeutic realm of RNA-binding small molecules. The ongoing interest in RNA targeting and subsequent screening campaigns have led to the identification of numerous compounds that can regulate RNAs from splicing, degradation to malfunctions, with therapeutic benefits for a variety of diseases. Moreover, along with the rise of RNA-based therapeutics, RNA-binding small molecules have expanded their application to the modification, regulation, and delivery of RNA drugs, leading to the burgeoning interest in this field. This Perspective overviews the emerging roles of RNAbinding small molecules in drug discovery and delivery, covering aspects from their action fundamentals to therapeutic applications, which may inspire researchers to advance the field.
■ SIGNIFICANCEThis Perspective explores the principles of RNA structures and their interaction modes with small molecules. It also discusses some exciting RNA-binding small molecules along with emerging conjugates such as RiboTAC for targeted RNA degradation. A focus is placed on RNA-binding small molecules in drug delivery, in which their applications in siRNA delivery and gene circuit therapy are covered. Altogether this provides a new insight to the roles of RNA-binding small molecules in drug development.