RNA Synthesis Inhibition

RNA synthesis inhibition refers to the process of blocking the production of RNA molecules from DNA or RNA templates, a critical step in gene expression and viral replication. The primary molecular target for this inhibition is typically the enzyme RNA polymerase, which catalyzes the transcription of DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA). In viruses with an RNA genome, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is responsible for replicating viral genetic material. Inhibitors of bacterial RNAP are crucial antibiotics used against tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and other Gram-positive/negative infections. Viral RdRp inhibitors form part of antiviral regimens against diseases like hepatitis C.

Other names

Transcription InhibitionRNA Polymerase InhibitionInhibition of RNA replication

Blocks initiation or elongation during transcription by binding to RNA polymerase or chelating essential divalent cations.