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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...

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis

Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process involving more than 200 assembly factors. The synthesis and processing of ribosomal components occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...

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...

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...

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...

Types of RNA

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Single-step Purification of Macromolecular Complexes Using RNA Attached to Biotin and a Photo-cleavable Linker

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Published on: January 3, 2019

Assembly and function of RNA silencing complexes.

Erik J Sontheimer¹

¹Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3500, USA. erik@northwestern.edu

Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology

|January 18, 2005

Summary

Double-stranded RNA triggers messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Recent discoveries illuminate RISC assembly and component functions, advancing RNA interference mechanisms for research and medicine.

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Biochemistry

Background:

The RNA-interference pathway utilizes double-stranded RNA to induce sequence-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation.
This process is mediated by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC).

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the RISC-assembly pathway.
To uncover the biochemical roles of critical RISC components.

Main Methods:

Biochemical analysis of RISC components.
Studies on the RISC-assembly pathway.

Main Results:

Initial insights into the RISC-assembly pathway have been obtained.
Key biochemical functions of essential RISC components have been identified.

Conclusions:

Recent advances have significantly enhanced the mechanistic understanding of RNA interference.
These findings hold promise for improved applications of RNA interference in experimental biology and medicine.