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Small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a potential gene silencing strategy for diabetes and associated complications:
Pranali Waghode1, Sheikh Shahnawaz Quadir2, Deepak Choudhary2
1Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, deemed to be University, Vile Parle West, 400056 Mumbai, Maharashtra India.
Objective:
This article critically reviews the recent search on the use of Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) in the process of gene regulation that has been harnessed to silence specific genes in various cell types, including those involved in diabetes complications.
Significance:
Diabetes, a prevalent and severe condition, poses life-threatening risks due to elevated blood glucose levels. It results from inadequate insulin production by the pancreas or ineffective insulin utilization by the body. Recent research suggests siRNA could hold promise in addressing diabetes complications.
Methods:
In this review, we discussed several subjects, including diabetes; its function, and common treatment options. An in-depth analysis of gene silencing method for siRNA and role of siRNA in diabetes, focusing on its impact on glucose homeostasis, diabetic retinopathy, wound healing, diabetic nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot ulcers, diabetic atherosclerosis, and diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Result:
siRNA-based treatment has the potential to target specific genes without disrupting several other endogenous pathways, which decreases the risk of off-target effects. In addition, siRNA has the capability to provide long-term efficacy with a single dose which will reduce treatment options and enhance patient compliance.
Conclusion:
In the context of diabetic complications, siRNA has been explored as a potential therapeutic tool to modulate the expression of genes involved in various processes associated with diabetes-related issues such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Neuropathy, Nephropathy, wound healing. The use of siRNA in these contexts is still largely experimental, and challenges such as delivery to specific tissues, potential off-target effects, and long-term safety need to be addressed. Additionally, the development of siRNA-based therapies for clinical use in diabetic complications is an active area of research.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-024-01405-7.
Insights
Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) shows promise for treating diabetes complications by silencing specific genes. This gene regulation approach offers targeted therapy with potential for long-term efficacy and improved patient compliance in managing diabetes-related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, stemming from impaired insulin production or function.
- Diabetes complications pose significant life-threatening risks, impacting various organ systems and leading to conditions like retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the application of Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) in gene regulation for managing diabetes complications.
- To explore the potential of siRNA as a therapeutic strategy for specific diabetes-related conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on siRNA-based gene silencing techniques.
- Analysis of siRNA's role in modulating genes involved in glucose homeostasis and diabetes complications.
- Focus on conditions including diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, wound healing, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy.
Main Results:
- siRNA enables targeted gene silencing, minimizing off-target effects on other cellular pathways.
- Potential for long-term therapeutic efficacy with single-dose administration, enhancing patient compliance.
- siRNA demonstrates promise in modulating gene expression relevant to various diabetes complications.
Conclusions:
- siRNA represents a promising therapeutic avenue for addressing specific gene targets in diabetes complications.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in siRNA delivery, off-target effects, and long-term safety for clinical application.
- The development of siRNA-based therapies for diabetic complications is an active and evolving field of research.
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