Promises and challenges in developing RNAi as a research tool and therapy.

Mouldy Sioud

Journal: Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.) 2011;703():173-87

PMID: 21125490

Abstract

Small interfering RNA (siRNAs), the main effector of RNA interference (RNAi), are now routinely used to assess gene function, both in vitro and in vivo, and many innovative screens have been reported on the use of RNAi to identify potential drug targets. Despite several technical advances, however, there are still many challenges in determining the ideal design of siRNA sequence, the activation of the immune system, off-target effects, and competition with endogenous microRNAs for cellular miRNA-processing machinery. Therefore, the translation of RNAi technology into the clinic depends on resolving these challenges. This chapter summarizes recent progress in siRNA design, sensing by the immune system, and discusses some of the promising approaches that are currently being explored in separating siRNA unwanted effects from gene silencing.

Address: Molecular Medicine Group, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, Oslo, Norway. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-248-9_12

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MeSH Terms: Amino Acid Motifs, DEAD Box Protein 58, DEAD-box RNA Helicases, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Genetic Techniques, Immunity, Innate, Interferons, Models, Genetic, Molecular Structure, RNA Interference, RNA, Small Interfering, Receptors, Immunologic, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, eIF-2 Kinase