DRB: A Selective Inhibitor of Transcription Elongation by RNA Polymerase II

5,6-Dichlorobenzimidazole 1-β-D-ribofuranoside (DRB, 1) is a selective inhibitor of transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II, further inhibiting mRNA synthesis in eukaryotic cells.¹⁾ The inhibition can trigger p53-dependent apotosis of tumor cells.²⁾ DRB can also inhibit HIV transcription by targeting elongation enhanced by the HIV-encoded transactivator (Tat)³⁾.