title: RNA interference in biology and disease.
abstract: RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved biologic response to double-stranded RNA that results in the sequence-specific silencing of target gene expression. Over the past 5 years, an intensive research effort has facilitated the rapid movement of RNAi from a relatively obscure biologic phenomenon to a valuable tool used to silence target gene expression and perform large-scale functional genomic screens. In fact, recent studies reported in this journal and others have demonstrated success using RNAi to address the role of oncogene expression in leukemia cell lines and to validate the therapeutic potential of RNAi for treating these blood disorders. In order to advance these applications and gain an appreciation for the future of RNAi both in basic research and in the treatment of diseases caused by aberrant gene expression, it is important to have an understanding of the process of RNAi and its limitations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cancer Biology NB40, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Carol A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Sledz
authors.forename: Bryan R G
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D034741:RNA, Small Interfering