Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are more stable than linear RNAs because they are resistant to degradation by exonucleases, making them a promising option for RNA-based therapeutics. However, existing methods for synthesizing circRNAs face several challenges, such as low yields for longer circRNAs, relatively low translation efficiency and difficulties in incorporating chemical modifications. To address these

Molecular glues are small-molecule compounds that promote interactions between a protein of interest and an E3 ubiquitin ligase, leading to selective degradation of the protein of interest. However, these glues are often identified serendipitously through phenotypic screening. Lu et al. have now identified a glue called acepromazine (ACE) that promotes formation of a TRIM21–NUP98 ternary complex, resulting

The highly pathogenic influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus has been dominant in birds and bovines in North America since 2021, and was responsible for the first case of human infection by bovine H5N1 in Texas in 2024 (Texas H5). Although this case raised concerns about the adaptation of the virus, there is fortunately a barrier to the interspecies jump as avian-type hemagglutinin (HA) recognizes cell

To celebrate the start of our 21st volume, we are featuring a collection of pieces that discuss the progress in chemical biology over the past 20 years. These pieces highlight some of the landmark findings that have shaped the field and outline future directions.

The field of chemical biology has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Here, we speak to Sarah E. O’Connor, Benjamin F. Cravatt and Chengqi Yi about the major changes that have affected the field, the advances that have affected them and their research, and their thoughts about the most important questions currently facing chemical biologists.

As Nature Chemical Biology approaches its third decade we asked a collection of chemical biologists, “What do you think are the most exciting frontiers or the most needed developments in your main field of research?” — here is what they said.

Correction to: Nature Chemical Biology https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-022-01048-w, published online 4 July 2022.