RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in living cells. It adjusts (moderates) the activity of their genes. RNAi molecules are a key to gene regulation. In 2006, Andrew Fire and Craig Mello shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on RNA interference in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, published in 1998.
Two types of small RNA molecules – microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) – do the work. These small RNAs bind to normal messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules and increase or decrease their activity. They can prevent a mRNA from producing a protein. RNA interference defends cells against foreign nucleotide sequences – viruses and transposons. Also, they control development, and gene expression in general.
The RNAi pathway is found in many eukaryotes including animals. RNAi is a valuable research tool, in cell culture and in living organisms. Synthetic dsRNA introduced into cells can suppress specific genes of interest. RNAi may be used for large-scale screens that shut down each gene to analyse cellular process or cell division. The pathway is also used as a practical tool in biotechnology and medicine.
Natural functions[change | change source]
- Immunity against foreign virus (and other) RNAs
- Upregulation of genes
- Downregulation of genes
References[change | change source]
- Cerutti H, Casas-Mollano J (2006). "On the origin and functions of RNA-mediated silencing: from protists to man". Curr Genet 50 (2): 81–99. . . .
- Daneholt, Bertil. "Advanced Information: RNA interference". The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2006. Archived from the original on 2007-01-20. http://web.archive.org/web/20070120113455/http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2006/adv.html. Retrieved 2007-01-25.
- Bagasra O, Prilliman KR (2004). "RNA interference: the molecular immune system". J. Mol. Histol. 35 (6): 545–53. . . http://www.kluweronline.com/art.pdf?issn=1567-2379&volume=35&page=545.