Benhamou Research Group

Our research laboratory is dedicated to the emerging field of RNA-targeted therapeutics, integrating chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and molecular/cellular biology. We leverage organic chemistry to develop molecules that selectively bind to RNA complexes, aiming to modulate RNA function in disease-relevant models. These compounds serve as chemical probes to explore RNA biology or as therapeutic candidates to correct aberrant RNA processes. Furthermore, we are actively engaged in targeted degradation technologies, designing molecular glues, PROTAC-like degraders, and RNA-targeting chimeras that recruit endogenous cellular machinery to degrade pathogenic RNA complexes. This approach enables the selective elimination of disease-associated RNA complexes, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for conditions driven by RNA dysregulation. Our research spans a broad range of diseases, including cancer, genetic disorders, metabolic syndromes, brain diseases, and infectious diseases, with the ultimate goal of pioneering innovative RNA-targeted therapeutic solutions.