RNA interference can be defined as the process by which some RNAs undergo sequence-specific degradation, and results in reducing expression from transcripts which possess complementary sequence specificity. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) play a pivotal role in RNA interference, and are part of a series of cellular pathways, including a defense strategy against invading pathogens and a mechanism for the regulation of gene expression. The recent identification and elucidation of cellular RNA interference pathways has initiated a new discipline in molecular biology, and as a result, the advancement of siRNA technology as a powerful new tool by which to alter expression of specifically targeted genes. Although siRNA technology has rapidly moved forward from in vitro studies to the cell culture stage, a major challenge which remains is the development of effective in vivo siRNA delivery vehicles. The following editorial describes the current state of siRNA-based delivery technologies.
SiRNA in Vivo Delivery Systems: A New Frontier in Biotechnology: Kathleen L Hefferon
Last date updated on September, 2024