Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors of RNase L by Fragment-Based Drug Discovery

J Med Chem. 2022 Jan 27;65(2):1445-1457. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01156. Epub 2021 Nov 28.

Abstract

The pseudokinase-endoribonuclease RNase L plays important roles in antiviral innate immunity and is also implicated in many other cellular activities. The inhibition of RNase L showed therapeutic potential for Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS). Thus, RNase L is a promising drug target. In this study, using an enzyme assay and NMR screening, we discovered 13 inhibitory fragments against RNase L. Cocrystal structures of RNase L separately complexed with two different fragments were determined in which both fragments bound to the ATP-binding pocket of the pseudokinase domain. Myricetin, vitexin, and hyperoside, three natural products sharing similar scaffolds with the fragment AC40357, demonstrated a potent inhibitory activity in vitro. In addition, myricetin has a promising cellular inhibitory activity. A cocrystal structure of RNase L with myricetin provided a structural basis for inhibitor design by allosterically modulating the ribonuclease activity. Our findings demonstrate that fragment screening can lead to the discovery of natural product inhibitors of RNase L.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products / pharmacology*
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Endoribonucleases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays / methods*
  • Humans
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • Endoribonucleases
  • 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease