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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...

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...

RNA Structure

RNA Structure

Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...

Ribosome Profiling

Ribosome Profiling

Ribosome profiling or ribo-sequencing is a deep sequencing technique that produces a snapshot of active translation in a cell. It selectively sequences the mRNAs protected by ribosomes to get an insight into a cell’s translation landscape at any given point in time.
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...

RNA Stability

RNA Stability

Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

RNA Interference in Aquatic Beetles as a Powerful Tool for Manipulating Gene Expression at Specific Developmental Time Points

RNA Interference in Aquatic Beetles as a Powerful Tool for Manipulating Gene Expression at Specific Developmental Time Points

Published on: May 29, 2020

A laboratory-intensive course on RNA interference and model organisms.

Joanna A Miller¹, D Scott Witherow, Susan Carson

¹Department of Biology, Drew University, Madison, NJ 07940, USA.

CBE Life Sciences Education

|December 3, 2009

Summary

An intensive RNA interference (RNAi) course equipped students with gene silencing skills. Students successfully applied RNAi techniques in model organisms, demonstrating mastery of research tools.

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RNA Interference in Aquatic Beetles as a Powerful Tool for Manipulating Gene Expression at Specific Developmental Time Points

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Biotechnology

Background:

RNA interference (RNAi) is a key method for gene silencing with research and therapeutic potential.
Effective training is crucial for students to master RNAi techniques for scientific applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the effectiveness of an 8-week RNA interference (RNAi) course in developing student conceptual knowledge and technical skills.
To evaluate the adaptability of the RNAi course across different instructors and semesters.

Main Methods:

Students received intensive instruction in RNAi experimental design and execution over 8 weeks.
Laboratory sessions involved using model organisms (Nicotiana benthamiana, Caenorhabditis elegans, mammalian cells) to analyze gene silencing.
Gene silencing was assessed via phenotypic changes, RNA levels, and protein levels.

Main Results:

Students demonstrated proficiency in RNAi concepts and technical skills upon course completion.
Successful laboratory experiment outcomes and positive assessments confirmed learning objectives were met.
Student self-assessments indicated enhanced confidence in both conceptual understanding and practical application of RNAi.

Conclusions:

The intensive RNAi course effectively imparts essential gene silencing research skills to students.
The curriculum is robust and adaptable, suitable for different instructors and teaching environments.
This training approach prepares students for utilizing RNAi in research and potentially therapeutic contexts.