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2025-02-18T11:07:19Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 11:07, 18 February 2025
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			== Small_interfering_RNA ==
			<gallery>
			File:SiRNAvitro.gif\|Small interfering RNA
			File:CC-BY_icon.svg\|Creative Commons BY icon
			File:SiRNA_Structure2.svg\|Structure of siRNA
			File:SiRNA_mechanism.2.png\|Mechanism of siRNA
			File:2ffl-by-domain.png\|2ffl by domain
			File:The_Ping-Pong_Method.png\|The Ping-Pong Method
			File:SiRNA_mechanism.svg\|siRNA mechanism
			</gallery>

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2024-03-02T13:57:48Z

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'''Small interfering RNA''' ('''siRNA'''), also known as '''short interfering RNA''' or '''silencing RNA''', is a class of [[double-stranded RNA]] molecules, 20-25 base pairs in length, that play a variety of roles in biology. Most notably, siRNA is involved in the [[RNA interference]] (RNAi) pathway, where it interferes with the expression of specific genes with complementary [[nucleotide]] sequences by degrading [[mRNA]] after transcription, preventing translation.

== History ==

The discovery of siRNA began with the study of [[transgene]]s in plants in the early 1990s. [[Richard J. Roberts]] and [[Phillip A. Sharp]] won the [[Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine]] in 1993 for their discovery of gene splicing, which led to the development of siRNA technology.

== Structure and Function ==

siRNAs are double-stranded RNA molecules with 2-nucleotide 3' overhangs. They are produced from longer dsRNA molecules by the enzyme [[Dicer (enzyme)|Dicer]], which also helps load them into the RNA-induced silencing complex ([[RISC]]). Once loaded into RISC, one strand of the siRNA (the guide strand) guides RISC to the complementary mRNA molecule, leading to mRNA cleavage and gene silencing.

== Applications ==

siRNA has potential applications in gene therapy, where it can be used to silence genes that contribute to disease. It is also used in research to knock down genes of interest and study their function.

== Challenges and Future Directions ==

While siRNA holds great promise, there are challenges to its use, including delivery to cells, stability in the bloodstream, and off-target effects. Future research is aimed at overcoming these challenges and realizing the full potential of siRNA in medicine and biology.

[[Category:RNA]]
[[Category:Gene expression]]
[[Category:Genetic engineering]]
{{RNA-stub}}

Small interfering RNA - Revision history

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