ML-60218

ML-60218 is a cell-permeable, small molecule inhibitor of RNA polymerase III (Pol III). It was identified through the NIH Molecular Libraries Probe Production Centers Network (MLPCN) as a potent and selective inhibitor of Pol III-mediated transcription. By blocking the synthesis of small non-coding RNAs, such as tRNAs and 5S rRNAs, ML-60218 interferes with essential cellular processes including protein synthesis and cell growth. Preclinical research has demonstrated its potential in oncology, specifically in suppressing the proliferation of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and inducing apoptosis, especially when used in synergistic combination with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. It is primarily utilized as a chemical probe to investigate the regulatory roles of Pol III in development and malignant transformation.