RNA interference: a potent tool for gene-specific therapeutics.
RNA interference (RNAi) is a process through which double-stranded RNA induces the activation of cellular pathways, leading to potent and selective silencing of genes with homology to the double strand. Much excitement surrounding small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated therapeutics arises from the fact that this approach overcomes many of the shortcomings previously experienced with approaches such as antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides and pharmacological inhibitors. Induction of RNAi through administration of siRNA has been successfully used in treatment of hepatitis, viral infections, and cancer. In this review we will present a brief history of RNAi, methods of inducing RNAi, application of RNAi in the therapeutic setting, and the possibilities of using this highly promising approach in the context of transplantation.
Department of Surgery, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, ON, Canada.
Thomas E
TE
Ichim
Mu
M
Li
Hua
H
Qian
Igor A
IA
Popov
Katarzyna
K
Rycerz
Xiufen
X
Zheng
David
D
White
Robert
R
Zhong
Wei-Ping
WP
Min
D000818:Animals; D020868:Gene Silencing; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000235:genetics; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense / Q000737:chemistry; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000378:metabolism; D014780:Viruses / Q000235:genetics
D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering