Abstract: Methods are provided herein for treatment of myotonic dystrophy and other toxic RNA diseases in a subject. In some examples, the method comprises administration of a compound that binds a nucleotide repeat expansion in a ribonucleic acid molecule, thereby treating the disease. In additional examples, the method comprises administration of a compound that disrupts binding of muscleblind-like proteins to an RNA nucleotide repeat expansion. Compounds for use in the disclosed method include pentamidine or heptamidine or derivatives thereof. Representative compounds are described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a class of tunable phenylacetylene compounds as well as compositions and methods for their use as host compounds for ligand binding. In certain examples the hosts report binding events by exhibiting altered spectroscopic properties, such as different fluorescent emission spectra.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a class of tunable phenylacetylene compounds as well as compositions and methods for their use as host compounds for ligand binding. In certain examples the hosts report binding events by exhibiting altered spectroscopic properties, such as different fluorescent emission spectra.