Small molecules that cut the RNA message of an undruggable oncogene

Ribonuclease-targeting chimeras (RIBOTACs) and RNA-binding small molecules bind structured motifs in oncogenic transcripts and recruit RNase L. Precedent exists for microRNA precursors and for the splicing modulator class approved in spinal muscular atrophy, which proved that oral small molecules can act on RNA in humans. Candidate cancer targets include MYC regulatory elements, oncogenic lncRNAs and undruggable transcription factor messages.