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RNA Interference

RNA Interference

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...

RNA Interference

RNA Interference

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...

Experimental RNAi

Experimental RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

RNAi Interference by dsRNA Injection into Drosophila Embryos

RNAi Interference by dsRNA Injection into Drosophila Embryos

Published on: April 11, 2011

RNA interference in adult mice.

Anton P McCaffrey¹, Leonard Meuse, Thu-Thao T Pham

¹Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5208, USA.

|July 5, 2002

Summary

RNA interference (RNAi) silences genes using small RNA molecules. This study demonstrates RNAi can suppress transgene expression in adult mice, showing therapeutic potential for diseases like hepatitis C.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Virology

Background:

RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural process cells use to control gene activity.
It involves small RNA molecules that target specific genetic sequences.
Understanding RNAi mechanisms is key to developing new therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the efficacy of RNA interference in suppressing transgene expression in adult mice.
To explore the potential of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and small-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) for gene silencing.
To demonstrate the therapeutic application of RNAi against viral infections, specifically hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Main Methods:

Utilized synthetic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to induce gene silencing.
Employed small-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) transcribed in vivo from DNA templates.
Administered RNAi treatments to adult mice with targeted gene sequences.

Main Results:

Successfully suppressed transgene expression in adult mice using both synthetic siRNAs and in vivo transcribed shRNAs.
Demonstrated sequence-specific gene silencing mediated by RNA interference.
Showcased effective in vivo targeting of a hepatitis C virus sequence, indicating therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

RNA interference is a viable method for suppressing gene expression in adult mammals.
Synthetic siRNAs and in vivo transcribed shRNAs are effective tools for RNAi-based gene silencing.
RNA interference holds significant promise as a therapeutic strategy for viral infections such as hepatitis C.