Targeting Group I Introns with Small Molecules: Unlocking a New Antifungal Mechanism Through RNA Targeting
Time: 3:45 pm
day: Conference Day Two
Details:
• Identifying self-splicing Group I introns as a novel RNA target in human-pathogenic fungi, such as Candida albicans, highlighting a unique RNA-targeting mechanism distinct from existing antifungal drugs
• Developing small molecule inhibitors through FRET-based high-throughput screening, followed by structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis and mechanistic insights guided by cryo-EM structural data
• Demonstrating potent cellular antifungal efficacy with low cytotoxicity, establishing RNA-targeting small molecules as a promising new class of antifungals
