Post-transcriptional processes have been recognised as pivotal in the control of gene expression,
and impairments in RNA processing are reported in several pathologies (i.e., cancer and
neurodegeneration). Focusing on RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), the involvement of Embryonic Lethal
Abnormal Vision (ELAV) or Hu proteins and their complexes with target mRNAs in the aetiology of
various dysfunctions, has suggested the great potential of compounds able to interfere with the
complex stability as an innovative pharmacological strategy for the treatment of numerous diseases.
Here, we present a rational follow-up investigation of the interaction between ELAV isoform HuR
and structurally-related compounds (i.e., favonoids and coumarins), naturally decorated with
diferent functional groups, by means of STD-NMR and Molecular Modelling. Our results represent
the foundation for the development of potent and selective ligands able to interfere with ELAV–RNA
complexes
