ADAR2 Inhibitors

ADAR2 inhibitors, short for Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA 2 inhibitors, belong to a class of small molecules that are designed to target and modulate the activity of the ADAR2 enzyme. ADAR2, or Adenosine Deaminase RNA-specific 2, is an essential protein involved in RNA editing, a post-transcriptional modification process in which adenosine (A) residues in RNA molecules are converted to inosine (I). This editing process is vital for maintaining the integrity and functionality of various RNA species, including mRNA, non-coding RNAs, and viral RNAs. ADAR2 inhibitors are specifically engineered to disrupt or attenuate the catalytic function of ADAR2, thereby altering the pattern of RNA editing events mediated by this enzyme.

The mechanism of action of ADAR2 inhibitors typically involves interfering with the binding of ADAR2 to its target RNA substrates or hindering its catalytic activity. These inhibitors can act through various strategies, such as blocking the active site of ADAR2 or disrupting the protein's interactions with its co-factors and RNA substrates. By doing so, they can selectively modulate RNA editing events regulated by ADAR2, allowing for the fine-tuning of specific RNA molecules' sequences. This class of compounds has garnered significant interest in research settings due to its ability to unveil the functional consequences of altered RNA editing and provide insights into the role of ADAR2 in various biological processes. Therefore, ADAR2 inhibitors serve as valuable tools for investigating the intricate world of RNA biology and its intricate regulatory mechanisms.