Targeting RNA with cyclic peptide libraries

ORGN 389

Virginia A. Burns and Christian Melander. Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
Ever increasing evidence indicates that RNA performs a wide range of cellular functions independent of its role as a carrier for genetic information. Small molecules that can specifically target RNA have the potential to regulate RNA-mediated functions and provide new avenues for therapeutic treatments. The increased specificity, stability, and bioavailability of cyclic peptides offer a unique solution to the design of RNA-binding small molecules. To identify novel cyclic peptide scaffolds, a cysteine constrained heptapeptide phage display library was panned against BIV-TAR. After multiple rounds of positive and negative selection, a pool of sequence specific binders were identified. Competitive gel shift analysis that measured the ability of the isolated cyclic peptides to disrupt the Tat-TAR interaction was then employed to confirm biological activity. This methodology enables the rapid identification of novel cyclic peptide scaffolds as potential ligands to explore small molecule control of RNA-mediated cellular functions.
 

New Reactions and Methodology, Bioorganic Chemistry, Molecular Recognition and Self Assembly
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Tuesday, 28 March 2006 Georgia World Congress Center -- Ex. Hall B4, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, 27 March 2006 Georgia World Congress Center -- Ex. Hall B4, Sci-Mix

Division of Organic Chemistry

The 231st ACS National Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 26-30, 2006