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Related Concept Videos

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

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...
RNA Interference01:23

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.
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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...
Small interfering RNAs (siRNA)02:30

Small interfering RNAs (siRNA)

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

In Vivo Nanovector Delivery of a Heart-specific MicroRNA-sponge
09:53

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Published on: June 15, 2018

Self-assembled RNA interference microsponges for efficient siRNA delivery.

Jong Bum Lee1, Jinkee Hong, Daniel K Bonner

  • 1Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.

Nature Materials
|February 28, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed novel RNAi-microsphonges for efficient short interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery. These self-assembling RNA structures protect siRNA from degradation, enabling targeted therapeutic applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Short interfering RNA (siRNA) holds therapeutic potential but faces challenges in stability and delivery.
  • Existing delivery vehicles like lipid nanoparticles have limitations in siRNA encapsulation and stability.
  • Clinical translation of RNA therapeutics is hindered by RNA instability and inefficient delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To engineer a novel self-assembling RNA delivery vehicle for enhanced siRNA encapsulation and stability.
  • To develop RNA interference (RNAi) polymers that form protective microspheres for siRNA.
  • To overcome the limitations of current siRNA delivery methods for therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of RNA interference (RNAi) polymers that self-assemble into nanoscale pleated sheets.
  • Formation of hairpin RNA structures into sponge-like microspheres (RNAi-microsphonges).
  • Demonstration of cellular uptake and intracellular conversion of hairpin RNA to active siRNA.

Main Results:

  • RNAi-microsphonges efficiently encapsulate and protect siRNA within a self-assembled RNA structure.
  • The microsphonges are composed entirely of cleavable RNA strands, releasing siRNA post-cellular uptake.
  • A single RNAi-microsponge delivers over half a million copies of siRNA per cell.
  • The delivery system protects siRNA during transport to the cytoplasm.

Conclusions:

  • RNAi-microsphonges represent a novel, self-assembling RNA-based delivery system for siRNA.
  • This approach enhances siRNA stability and cellular delivery, addressing key challenges in RNA therapeutics.
  • The technology offers a promising new route for the clinical translation of siRNA-based therapies.