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Review
RNA Interference: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications
Article first published online: 19 JAN 2009
DOI: 10.1002/anie.200802092
Copyright © 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Additional Information
How to Cite
Kurreck, J. (2009), RNA Interference: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 48: 1378–1398. doi: 10.1002/anie.200802092
Publication History
- Issue published online: 30 JAN 2009
- Article first published online: 19 JAN 2009
- Manuscript Received: 5 MAY 2008
Funded by
- DFG. Grant Number: Ku-1436/1
- BMBF/RNA Netzwerk
- Fonds der Chemische Industrie
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- gene expression;
- molecular biology;
- RNA interference;
- RNA
Abstract
An efficient mechanism for the sequence-specific inhibition of gene expression is RNA interference. In this process, double-stranded RNA molecules induce cleavage of a selected target RNA (see picture). This technique has in recent years developed into a standard method of molecular biology. Successful applications in animal models have already led to the initiation of RNAi-based clinical trials as a new therapeutic option.
Only ten years ago Andrew Fire and Craig Mello were able to show that double-stranded RNA molecules could inhibit the expression of homologous genes in eukaryotes. This process, termed RNA interference, has developed into a standard method of molecular biology. This Review provides an overview of the molecular processes involved, with a particular focus on the posttranscriptional inhibition of gene expression in mammalian cells, the possible applications in research, and the results of the first clinical studies.