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long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs):
A Vast and Promising Class of Therapeutic Targets

Historically, RNA has been thought of as a messenger whose role is to translate information from DNA into proteins. However, the vast majority of our DNA is copied into RNAs that do not make proteins. These RNA molecules, called non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), have now been shown to have an essential regulatory role in our cells by interacting with and modulating the activities of proteins that participate in critical cellular events. Our focus at NextRNA is lncRNAs, which account for the majority of ncRNAs.

lncRNAs exert their function through a variety of domain interactions with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), RNA and DNA. The dysregulation of these interactions is implicated in multiple disease areas, including oncology, neurology, and immunology. As such, lncRNAs represent a vast and, to date, untapped class of therapeutic targets.

The key to understanding precisely how lncRNAs drive disease is by elucidating relevant domain interactions and what cellular processes they affect. In turn, small molecules can be designed to disrupt the function of disease-relevant lncRNAs.

 

NextRNA:
The Leader in Developing Small Molecules Targeting lncRNAs

NextRNA has assembled a highly experienced and competent team of industry leaders, biology and chemistry experts, and drug developers, all driven by a common passion for working together and having an impact on science and patients.

We are applying our unique capabilities to unlock the therapeutic potential of lncRNAs. Our proprietary target and drug discovery engine enables us to identify, validate, and selectively disrupt the function of disease-relevant lncRNAs with small molecules, with an initial focus on disrupting lncRNA-RBP interactions. We are employing our engine to rapidly expand our pipeline of new targets and first-in-class small molecule programs in multiple disease areas.

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