siRNAs: Mechanism of RNA interference, in vivo and potential clinical applications

Abstract

Small interfering RNAs are currently the most widely used nucleic acid-based sequence-specific gene silencing molecules. These molecules mediate RNA interference - a natural post-transcriptional gene-silencing pathway. Given the high reliability and higher efficiency of small interfering RNA-mediated RNA interference, compared to earlier reverse genetic technologies, this is now the preferred technique in functional genomics. Furthermore, the exquisite specificity and exceptional gene-silencing potency of small interfering RNAs has resulted in intense research related to potential target-specific therapeutic applications of these molecules. This review will discuss the mechanism of RNA interference and applications of the pathway in molecular biology including functional genomics will be overviewed. The article will outline in vivo and potential clinical applications of small interfering RNA molecules. ©2004 Landes Bioscience.