Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA Translation Initiation Element SL1 by Molecules of Low Molecular Weight.

ABSTRACT: We present the development of low molecular weight inhibitors that target the 5'-terminal RNA stem-loop 1 (SL1) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. SL1 is crucial for allowing viral protein synthesis in the context of global translational repression in infected cells. We applied compound- and RNA-detected nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) experiments to guide a fragment-growth strategy based on two primary NMR screening hits from a diverse fragment library poised for follow-up chemistry. These primary hits with molecular weights of around 200 Da were derivatized with the aim of improving the initial solubility, binding affinity, and target specificity. We used NMR to monitor solubility changes, binding affinity, and specific binding to the SL1 binding pocket during the fragment derivatiz

SUBMITTER: Toews S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12356538 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature