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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...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Chitosan/Interfering RNA Nanoparticle Mediated Gene Silencing in Disease Vector Mosquito Larvae

Chitosan/Interfering RNA Nanoparticle Mediated Gene Silencing in Disease Vector Mosquito Larvae

Published on: March 25, 2015

Recent progress in chemically modified siRNAs.

M Gaglione¹, A Messere

¹Department of Environmental Sciences, Second University of Naples, via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy.

Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry

|May 27, 2010

Summary

Chemical modifications enhance small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics by improving delivery, stability, and reducing off-target effects. This review covers the latest advancements in siRNA chemical modifications for treating human diseases.

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Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

RNA interference (RNAi) is a vital laboratory tool for gene function studies.
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) offer therapeutic potential for human diseases.
siRNA molecules face challenges in delivery, stability, and off-target effects, limiting their clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent chemical modifications of siRNAs.
To focus on novel structural and architectural modifications.
To discuss siRNA conjugates for therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

Literature review of chemical modifications in siRNA therapeutics.
Analysis of structural and architectural modifications.
Examination of siRNA conjugate designs.

Main Results:

Chemical modifications address key challenges in siRNA drug development.
Novel modifications improve siRNA stability and delivery.
siRNA conjugates offer targeted therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

Chemical modifications are crucial for advancing siRNA therapeutics.
Ongoing research focuses on innovative siRNA structures and conjugates.
Optimized siRNA molecules hold promise for treating various human diseases.