Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Bacterial Delivery of RNAi Effectors: Transkingdom RNAi
Published on: August 18, 2010
Inhaled RNA Therapy: From Promise to Reality
Michael Y T Chow1, Yingshan Qiu2, Jenny K W Lam2
1Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR; Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract:
RNA-based medicine is receiving growing attention for its diverse roles and potential therapeutic capacity. The largest obstacle in its clinical translation remains identifying a safe and effective delivery system. Studies investigating RNA therapeutics in pulmonary diseases have rapidly expanded and drug administration by inhalation allows the direct delivery of RNA therapeutics to the target site of action while minimizing systemic exposure. In this review, we highlight recent developments in pulmonary RNA delivery systems with the use of nonviral vectors. We also discuss the major knowledge gaps that require thorough investigation and provide insights that will help advance this exciting field towards the bedside.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Experimental RNAi
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Gene Therapy
RNA Structure
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...

