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siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

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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.
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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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Delivery of Therapeutic siRNA to the CNS Using Cationic and Anionic Liposomes

Delivery of Therapeutic siRNA to the CNS Using Cationic and Anionic Liposomes

Published on: July 23, 2016

Functional peptides for siRNA delivery.

Wanyi Tai¹, Xiaohu Gao¹

¹Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, William H Foege Building N561, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

|August 18, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Peptides offer a promising solution for delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics. These versatile molecules facilitate siRNA entry into cells, overcoming a major hurdle in gene silencing therapies.

Keywords:

Cell penetrating peptide Endosome disruption Endosomolytic peptide Multifunctional Silencing Targeting siRNA

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Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics

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Last Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Delivery of Therapeutic siRNA to the CNS Using Cationic and Anionic Liposomes

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Published on: July 23, 2016

Synthesis, Functionalization, and Characterization of Fusogenic Porous Silicon Nanoparticles for Oligonucleotide Delivery

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Published on: April 16, 2019

Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics

Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics

Published on: January 15, 2015

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) holds therapeutic potential for gene silencing in diseases.
Clinical translation of siRNA has been limited by inefficient and non-specific delivery methods.
Effective delivery requires transporting siRNA to the cell's cytosol for RNA interference.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the multifaceted roles of peptides in enhancing siRNA delivery.
To highlight peptides as versatile nanocarriers for therapeutic siRNA.
To discuss peptide-mediated mechanisms for improving siRNA cellular uptake and efficacy.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on peptide-based siRNA delivery systems.
Analysis of various peptide functionalities in cellular translocation.
Examination of mechanisms including membrane penetration, endocytosis, and endosomolysis.

Main Results:

Peptides demonstrate diverse capabilities for siRNA delivery.
Mechanisms include direct membrane translocation, endocytosis with endosomolysis, and receptor-mediated uptake.
Peptides can be engineered for specific targeting and combined functionalities.

Conclusions:

Peptides are emerging as effective nanocarriers for siRNA delivery.
Their structural and functional diversity enables efficient and targeted gene silencing.
Peptide-based strategies are crucial for advancing siRNA therapeutics.