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Updated: May 8, 2026

Predicting Gene Silencing Through the Spatiotemporal Control of siRNA Release from Photo-responsive Polymeric Nanocarriers
Published on: July 21, 2017
Near-infrared light-directed RNAi using a photosensitive carrier molecule
Yuka Matsushita-Ishiodori1, Mika Morinaga, Kazunori Watanabe
1Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University , 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
Abstract:
Controlled activation of small RNAs, such as small interfering RNA, in cells is very useful for various biological applications. Light is an effective inducer of controlled activation; in particular, near-infrared light is favorable because it can penetrate deeper into tissues than UV or visible light. In this study, near-infrared light control of RNA interference (RNAi) was demonstrated in mammalian cells using a photosensitive RNA carrier molecule, consisting of an RNA carrier protein and a fluorochrome. The photosensitive carrier molecule was identified from six candidates, each with a different fluorochrome. Using this carrier molecule, cytosolic RNA delivery and RNAi can be triggered by near-infrared light. Cytotoxicity was not observed after photoinduction of RNAi.
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