Virtual High-Throughput Screening Identifies Mycophenolic Acid as a Novel RNA Capping Inhibitor
2011

Mycophenolic Acid as an RNA Capping Inhibitor

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tremblay-Létourneau Maude, Despins Simon, Bougie Isabelle, Bisaillon Martin

Primary Institution: Université de Sherbrooke

Hypothesis

Can mycophenolic acid inhibit RNA guanylyltransferase activity?

Conclusion

Mycophenolic acid inhibits RNA guanylyltransferase by preventing the transfer of the GMP moiety onto RNA.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mycophenolic acid was shown to inhibit the RNA guanylyltransferase reaction.
  • The addition of mycophenolic acid to yeast cells reduced capped mRNAs.
  • MPA inhibits the second step of the GTase reaction more effectively than the first step.
  • MPA is not a substrate for the RNA guanylyltransferase.

Takeaway

Mycophenolic acid is a compound that can stop a specific process in cells that helps make RNA, which is important for making proteins.

Methodology

The study used virtual database screening, homology modeling, and biochemical assays to identify and test the effects of mycophenolic acid on RNA guanylyltransferase.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on in vitro results, and the implications in vivo may vary.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024806

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