Cambridge Healthtech Instituteの第5回年次
Small Molecules Targeting RNA
(RNAを標的とする低分子)
治療介入のための新たな医薬品モダリティとRNA部分の特定
2023年9月26日〜27日 東部夏時間
9月26日(火)
Registration and Morning Coffee7:00 am
Welcome Remarks7:55 am
TOOLS FOR RNA DRUG DISCOVERY
RNA創薬のツール
Chemical Strategies for Profiling RNA-Protein Interactions
Ken Hsu, PhD, Stephen F. and Fay Evans Martin Endowed Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin
We present a method that deploys clickable probes to directly quantify protein-RNA interactions on proteins. Our method facilitated global detection of RNA-interaction sites on RBPs that mediate recognition of coding and noncoding RNA. We performed functional profiling of known RNA-binding interfaces and discovery of RNA binding activity on proteins without prior RBP annotation. Collectively, we present a chemoproteomic method for systematic quantification of protein-RNA binding activity in living cells.
Synthetic Biology Approaches to Measure and Control RNA
Bryan Dickinson, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago
Especially in mammalian systems, post-transcriptional gene expression regulatory processes at the RNA level are often a key determinant of genetic information flow. From an engineering and therapeutic perspective, these RNA regulatory processes represent new ways to control or retune gene expression at the RNA level, if they can be harnessed. I will present technologies our group has developed to measure and control protein-RNA interactions with an eye toward therapeutic development.
Structure-Based RNA-Ligand Design: Pitfalls and Solutions
Christian Kersten, PhD, Assistant Professor, Institute of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz
Targeting RNA with small molecules is an emerging field. However, screening strategies usually rely on HTS, FBDD or derivatization of a known ligand while structure-based design is still the exception. In our work we demonstrate the suitability of (modified) protein-based docking tools for RNA targets and highlight special caveats. In a subsequent prospective virtual screening against the preQ1-riboswitch, 6 novel ligands with affinities between 30nM and 11µM were identified.
Networking Coffee Break9:35 am
Application of Artificial Intelligence for the Discovery of RNA-Targeting Small Molecules
Sridhar Narayan, PhD, Vice President, ReviR Therapeutics
Modulating RNA with small molecules could dramatically expand the universe of druggable targets. However, properties such as low diversity, a charged backbone, and dynamic structure make targeting RNAs challenging compared to protein targets. Moreover, standard biophysical and structural biology techniques have not directly translated from the protein world. Here, I present several Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that we are utilizing to overcome some of these challenges in RNA drug discovery.
Mapping the Druggable Transcriptome: AI-Enabled RNA Drug Discovery
Rabia Khan, PhD, MBA, CEO, Serna Bio
An estimated 85% of the ~3 billion base pairs in the human genome is transcribed into RNA, but only ~1.5% of these code for proteins. While the chemical properties of protein binders are increasingly understood and interrogated, the field of RNA-targeted drugs is relatively new and the properties of small molecules that drive specific and selective targeting of RNA, and associated assays, are yet to be developed. At Serna Bio (previously Ladder Therapeutics) we are using an AI enabled, data-first approach to write the rules that define RNA-small molecule interactions.
Unlocking the Druggable Universe of 3D RNA Structures with Artificial Intelligence
Adrian Sanborn, PhD, Founding Scientist & Bioscience Lead, Atomic AI
Atomic AI has developed PARSE, the Platform for AI-driven RNA Structure Exploration, which can locate 3D structures at unprecedented speed and accuracy in disease-relevant RNA targets. PARSE builds on our work featured on the cover of Science, and involves a tight integration of high-throughput wet-lab experiments and cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities. Through this data-driven approach, Atomic AI is enabling and pursuing drug discovery against undruggable targets.

Wenji Su, PhD, Senior Director and the Head of Early Discovery Platform, WuXi Biology, WuXi AppTec
RNA-as-a-target holds the promise of dramatically increasing the pool of druggable targets. “DNA-Zipper” DEL technology reduces interference between DNA tags and RNA molecules, addressing a key hurdle in screening scalability when targeting RNA with small molecules. Here, we demonstrate the successful application of Zipper DEL and SHAPE-MaP to identify ligands that bind to SMN2. Validation and functionality of this binding was then determined using SPR, ASMS, biochemical, and cellular assays.
Sponsored Presentation (Opportunity Available)11:50 am
Transition to Lunch12:05 pm
Luncheon Presentation (Sponsorship Opportunity Available) or Enjoy Lunch on Your Own12:10 pm
Session Break12:40 pm
RNA TARGETING STRATEGIES
RNA標的の戦略
FEATURED PRESENTATION: Structure-Based Design of Small Molecule Inhibitors of RNA
Jennifer Petter, PhD, Founder & CSO, Arrakis Therapeutics
Our mission at Arrakis is to solve very broadly the problem of how to drug RNA with small molecules. This presentation will provide an update on the platform we have built to achieve that mission and provide early data on specific mRNA targets.

Sahil P. Shah, Operations Manager, Biologics Health Science, Health & Nutrition, SGS
Sahil Shah is an Operations Manager at SGS Canada where he leads the Biologics department’s efforts on method development, method validation, characterization, and GMP testing for a wide range of pre-clinical to commercial phase biotherapeutics. Sahil has more than 17 years of extensive experience in analytical development for biologics including biosimilars, novel biologics, cell & gene therapies, and vaccines.
In-Person Group Discussions2:50 pm
Grand Opening Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing3:35 pm
FEATURED PRESENTATION: Tools to Measure RNA binding Protein-RNA Defects
Eugene Yeo, PhD, MBA, Professor, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego; Founding Member, Institute for Genomic Medicine
I will discuss transcriptome-wide methods we have developed to assess defects and RNA binding protein-RNA changes in small molecule-mediated perturbation of systems.
Discovery of Covalent Small Molecules Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein NONO
Brahma Ghosh, PhD, Senior Principal Scientist & Head, Chemical Biology, Global Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, LLC
Here I will report on the chemoproteomics-driven discovery of small-molecule modulators targeting the RNA-binding protein NONO with a functional consequence. By engaging Cys145 of NONO, these electrophilic compounds decrease transcripts encoding the androgen receptor and its V7 splice variant in human prostate cancer cells in a stereoselective fashion. Our findings demonstrate that NONO can be co-opted by covalent small molecules to rewire the transcriptional state of cancer cells.
RNA-Small Molecule Interactions: Lessons Learned from Riboswitch Structures
Alexander Serganov, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine
This talk illustrates the adaptability of small molecule recognition by RNA using ykkC riboswitches that use a similar mRNA structure to recognize very different small molecules. I will discuss our current efforts of structure-based design of synthetic small molecules to bind to thiamine pyrophosphate riboswitch and serve as potential anti-bacterials.
Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing5:45 pm
Close of Day6:45 pm
9月27日(水)
Registration and Morning Coffee7:30 am
NEW mRNA MODULATORS
新たなRNAモジュレーター
Discovering Small Molecule mRNA Drugs and Their Mechanisms of Action with Anima's mRNA Lightning Platform
Kevin Pong, PhD, Chief Business Officer, Anima Biotech, Inc.
Anima's mRNA Lightning platform combines high-scale phenotypic screening with AI-driven MOA elucidation to discover small molecule mRNA drugs and their mechanisms of action. With unparalleled automation of phenotypic screening tailored to mRNA biology, we explore the vast target space of mRNA regulation from transcription to translation. Our MOAi technology streamlines the identification of active molecules' mechanism of action by integrating AI-driven MOA elucidation. Our pipeline includes lead programs in immunology and oncology, demonstrating efficacy in animal and patient-derived models. With deep expertise in mRNA biology, Anima is advancing drug discovery and development at an unprecedented rate of success.
Sponsored Presentation (Opportunity Available)8:30 am
Small Molecules Modulating ELP1 mRNA for Potential Use in Treatment of Familial Dysautonomia
Marla Weetall, PhD, Senior Vice President, Pharmacology and Biomarkers, PTC Therapeutics
Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a rare neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease associated with autonomic and sensory neuropathy. Over 99% of FD patients are homozygous for the “founder" mutation in intron 20 of the ELP1 gene (c.2204 + 6T > C) causing the “skipping” of exon 20 from the mature mRNA coding sequence. Here, we describe the discovery and development of small molecules that modulate the splicing of the mutant ELP1 RNA. We utilize mouse models of FD to correlate drug levels to corrected splicing, increased protein levels, and improved phenotype. We discuss how these data can be used to better design clinical trials testing splicing modulators.
Small Molecule Correctors of Aberrant ELP1 pre-mRNA Alternative Splicing: Discovery, Development, and Mechanism
Scott Barraza, PhD, Group Leader, Discovery Chemistry, PTC Therapeutics Inc.
Familial dysautonomia is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder arising from aberrant mutation-linked alternative splicing of ELP1 pre-mRNA. Treatment is limited to palliative care, however, due to the absence of effective etiology-targeted therapies. Addressing this issue, PTC Therapeutics has developed potent small molecule splicing modulators based on hits originally identified by collaborative partners at Massachusetts General Hospital. Their discovery and putative pharmacological mechanism of action is described.
Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing10:00 am
PLENARY KEYNOTE PROGRAM
プレナリー基調講演プログラム
Plenary Keynote Introduction (Sponsorship Opportunity Available)10:45 am
PLENARY: The New Science of Therapeutics
Jay E. Bradner, MD, Physician Scientist, Former President, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.
I will share reflections on how new paradigms in the science of therapeutics are creating opportunities to approach historic challenges in medicine. Specifically, I will share approaches to targeting transcription factors and discuss how modularity is a paradigm for next-generation low-molecular weight and biological therapeutics. Finally, I will offer reflections on drug development and the fitness, opportunities, and challenges of the biomedical ecosystem.
PLENARY: Accelerating Drug Discovery Using Machine Learning and Cell Painting Images
Microscopy images can reveal whether a cell is diseased, is responding to a drug treatment, or whether a pathway has been disrupted by a genetic mutation. In a strategy called image-based profiling, often using the Cell Painting assay, we extract hundreds of features of cells from images. Just like transcriptional profiling, the similarities and differences in the patterns of extracted features reveal connections among diseases, drugs, and genes.
Close of Small Molecules Targeting RNA Conference12:25 pm
* 不測の事態により、事前の予告なしにプログラムが変更される場合があります。