Methods and Systems for Modulating RNA-Enzyme Complex Activity

Challenge

Cellular RNA-modifying enzymes play critical roles in regulating gene expression and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of these enzymes can alter RNA function and affect cellular growth, survival, and differentiation. Modulating their activity has therefore been proposed as a strategy to influence biological processes for therapeutic benefit. Despite their importance, many RNA-modifying enzymes form transient or multi-component complexes, making it challenging to study their function and identify modulators. Conventional assays often lack throughput or mechanistic insight, and small-molecule approaches are limited by the dynamic nature of the protein complexes involved. There remains a need for scalable platforms that can reliably measure enzymatic activity, elucidate functional mechanisms, and enable systematic discovery of chemical modulators.

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Technology

Modulation of a cellular RNA-modifying enzyme affects cell proliferation in experimental models. A scalable biochemical assay was established to measure its activity, and structural studies revealed that function depends on a transient complex with an accessory protein. Disruption of this assembly may enable selective modulation, and the platform can support identification of chemical entities to alter enzymatic activity.

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Commercial Opportunity

Looking for collaboration opportunity

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Development Status

TRL2

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Patent Situation

PCT application submitted

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Further Reading

doi:10.1101/2025.06.25.660299

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