Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Dual CRISPR-Interference Strategy for Targeting Synthetic Lethal Interactions Between Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Cells
Published on: May 30, 2025
RNA interference as a plausible anticancer therapeutic tool
Puthucode Venkatakrishnan Ramachandran1, Savarimuthu Ignacimuthu
1Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Tamilnadu, India.
Abstract:
RNA interference has created a breakthrough in gene silencing technology and there is now much debate on the successful usage of RNAi based methods in treating a number of debilitating diseases. Cancer is often regarded as a result of mutations in genomic DNA resulting in faulty gene expression. The occurrence of cancer can also be influenced by epigenetic irregularities in the chromatin structure which leads to alterations and mutations in DNA resulting in cancer cell formation. A number of therapeutic approaches have been put forth to treat cancer. Anti cancer therapy often involves chemotherapy targeting all the cells in common, whereby both cancer cells as well as normal cells get affected. Hence RNAi technology has potential to be a better therapeutic agent as it is possible to deactivate molecular targets like specific mutant genes. This review highlights the successful use of RNAi inducers against different types of cancer, thereby paving the way for specific therapeutic medicines.
Insights
RNA interference (RNAi) offers a breakthrough for gene silencing, showing promise in treating diseases like cancer. This technology targets specific faulty genes, potentially leading to more precise and effective cancer therapies than traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer arises from genetic mutations and epigenetic changes affecting gene expression and DNA.
- Current cancer therapies, like chemotherapy, often harm healthy cells alongside cancerous ones.
- RNA interference (RNAi) presents a novel approach for targeted gene silencing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the successful application of RNAi inducers against various cancer types.
- To highlight RNAi's potential as a specific therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on RNA interference in cancer therapy.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating the efficacy of RNAi inducers.
Main Results:
- RNAi technology enables the deactivation of specific molecular targets, such as mutant genes.
- Successful use of RNAi inducers has been demonstrated across different forms of cancer.
Conclusions:
- RNA interference holds significant potential for developing targeted cancer medicines.
- RNAi-based therapies offer a more precise alternative to conventional cancer treatments.
Related Concept Videos
Experimental RNAi
RNA Interference
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
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...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
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...
