title: Emerging technologies: trendy RNA tools for aging research.
abstract: Aging is an inevitable biological phenomenon. Attempts to understand its mechanisms and, consequently, to therapeutically decelerate or even reverse the process are limited by its daunting complexity. Rapid and robust functional genomic tools suited to a wide array of experimental model systems are needed to dissect the interplay of individual genes during aging. In this article, we review principles that transcend the view of RNA, from a molecule merely mediating the flow of genetic information, into a unique molecular tool. In the form of catalytic molecular scissors (ribozymes), antibody-like antagonists (aptamers) and gene silencers (interfering RNAs, RNAi) can be effectively used to dissect biofunctions conserved throughout the evolution. In this review, application of recent RNA tools in aging research is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Gene Function Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba Science City 305-8562, Japan.
authors.forename: Custer C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Deocaris
authors.forename: Sunil C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Kaul
authors.forename: Kazunari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Taira
authors.forename: Renu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wadhwa
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D012313:RNA
chemical_list: D012313:RNA