Expanded DNA and RNA Trinucleotide Repeats in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Select Their Own Multitarget, Sequence-Selective Inhibitors

There are few methods available for the rapid discovery of multitarget drugs. Herein, we describe the template-assisted, target-guided discovery of small molecules that recognize d(CTG) in the expanded d(CTG·CAG) sequence and its r(CUG) transcript that cause myotonic dystrophy type 1. A positive cross-selection was performed using a small library of 30 monomeric alkyne- and azide-containing ligands capable of producing >5000 possible di- and trimeric click products. The monomers were incubated with d(CTG)16 or r(CUG)16 under physiological conditions, and both sequences showed selectivity in the proximity-accelerated azide-alkyne [3+2] cycloaddition click reaction. The limited number of click products formed in both selections and the even smaller number of common products suggests that this method is a useful tool for the discovery of single-target and multitarget lead therapeutic agents.