Synthesis of Bleomycin-Inspired RNA Ligands Targeting the Biogenesis of Oncogenic miRNAs

Abstract

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of gene expression and represent a promising target for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Among these ncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are involved in the regulation of gene expression, and their dysregulation has been linked to several diseases such as cancers. Indeed, oncogenic miRNAs are overexpressed in cancer cells, thus promoting tumorigenesis and maintenance of cancer stem cells that are resistant to chemotherapy and often responsible for therapeutic failure. Here, we describe the design and synthesis of new small-molecule RNA binders able to inhibit the biogenesis of oncogenic miRNAs and target efficiently cancer stem cells. Through the biochemical study of their interaction with the target and thanks to intracellular assays, we describe the structure–activity relationships for this new series of RNA ligands, and we identify compounds bearing a very promising antiproliferative activity against cancer stem cells.

Targeting MicroRNAs with Small Molecules

“…Two compounds showed notable anti-proliferative activity, particularly against cancer cells, sparing healthy cells. Despite moderate activity, these compounds show promise in impacting the proliferation of glioblastoma cells and cancer stem cells, offering a potential avenue for discovering new anti-cancer molecules for this aggressive and incurable brain cancer [ 159 ].…”