{"title":"Fluorescent RNAs: new opportunities for drug discovery.","authors":"Fangting Zuo, Ziheng Gao, Xianjun Chen, Yi Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.05.006","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fluorescent RNAs (FRs), RNA mimics of fluorescent proteins (FPs), have emerged as a promising approach for tagging RNAs and investigating their complex spatiotemporal dynamics and biological functions. Moreover, FR-derived biosensors (FRBs) also provide useful tools for point-of-care testing of a wide range of targets, from small molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins to various pathogens. However, it is still unclear whether and how FRs and FRBs can be used to accelerate drug discovery. In this review article, we briefly summarize the recent advances in FRs and FRBs and focus on recent works showing how FRs and FRBs can be used during different stages of RNA and small-molecule drug discovery. Furthermore, we discuss limitations of current technologies and potential pathways for moving forward.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.9000,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2025.05.006","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Fluorescent RNAs (FRs), RNA mimics of fluorescent proteins (FPs), have emerged as a promising approach for tagging RNAs and investigating their complex spatiotemporal dynamics and biological functions. Moreover, FR-derived biosensors (FRBs) also provide useful tools for point-of-care testing of a wide range of targets, from small molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins to various pathogens. However, it is still unclear whether and how FRs and FRBs can be used to accelerate drug discovery. In this review article, we briefly summarize the recent advances in FRs and FRBs and focus on recent works showing how FRs and FRBs can be used during different stages of RNA and small-molecule drug discovery. Furthermore, we discuss limitations of current technologies and potential pathways for moving forward.
期刊介绍:
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (TIPS) is a monthly peer-reviewed reviews journal that focuses on a wide range of topics in pharmacology, pharmacy, pharmaceutics, and toxicology. Launched in 1979, TIPS publishes concise articles discussing the latest advancements in pharmacology and therapeutics research.
The journal encourages submissions that align with its core themes while also being open to articles on the biopharma regulatory landscape, science policy and regulation, and bioethics.
Each issue of TIPS provides a platform for experts to share their insights and perspectives on the most exciting developments in the field. Through rigorous peer review, the journal ensures the quality and reliability of published articles.
Authors are invited to contribute articles that contribute to the understanding of pharmacology and its applications in various domains. Whether it's exploring innovative drug therapies or discussing the ethical considerations of pharmaceutical research, TIPS provides a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the pharmacological sciences.