Cellular proteins and RNA

Cellular proteins and RNA is a broad, non-specific target designation used to describe the collective pool of protein and ribonucleic acid molecules within a cell. This category is typically associated with drugs that possess a wide spectrum of molecular interactions rather than a single, discrete target. For instance, platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin and carboplatin are known to bind covalently not only to DNA but also to various cellular proteins and RNA species, which contributes to their cytotoxic profile. Similarly, certain antibiotics and antiviral agents may interact with host or viral protein-RNA complexes to disrupt essential life cycles. Because this target encompasses thousands of distinct molecular species, it is considered a non-molecular or multi-target entity in pharmacological databases. Targeting this broad category often results in significant systemic toxicity due to the lack of specificity, making the management of side effects a primary concern in clinical use.

Other names

Cellular macromoleculesHost proteins and RNAIntracellular proteins and RNACytoplasmic proteins and RNA

Covalent binding and cross-linking of proteins and RNA molecules, leading to inhibition of transcription, translation, and cellular signaling pathways.