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RNA interference: a novel and physiologic mechanism of gene silencing with great therapeutic potential
Calderón, A. J; Lavergne, J. A.
  • Calderón, A. J; University of Puerto Rico. Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology. Medical Sciences Campus. San Juan. PR
  • Lavergne, J. A; s.af
P. R. health sci. j ; 24(1): 27-33, mar. 2005.
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-406523
RESUMO
The post-genomics scientific era has evolved rapidly while achieving advanced understanding of the structure and function of the genes responsible for both the phenotypic characteristics of higher organisms and the pathophysiology of several genetic diseases. Researchers in the fields of oncology and infectious diseases have become more convinced of the great potential of molecular biology approaches to further develop highly specific diagnostic and less toxic therapeutic strategies. During the last two decades, approaches for the specific silencing of essential viral genes and cellular oncogenes were evaluated with optimism for developing directed therapies. However, there were drawbacks in the use of antisense oligonucleotides as a practical mechanism of achieving gene silencing both in vitro and in vivo. Recently, a novel role for post-transcriptional gene silencing mediated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was discovered in the experimental model of C. elegans. This mechanism, termed RNA interference (RNAi) has also been found in other eukaryotes, from plants to mammals, including humans. RNAi is presently being explored both in vitro and in vivo in functional genomics studies and possible therapeutic uses due to its highly specific and physiologic mode of gene silencing. This article focuses on the most current information available regarding the RNAi mechanism and its uses in models of cancer and infectious diseases.
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Index: LILACS (Americas) Main subject: Genetic Therapy / RNA Interference / Molecular Biology Type of study: Prognostic study Limits: Animals / Humans Language: English Journal: P. R. health sci. j Journal subject: Medicine Year: 2005 Type: Article Affiliation country: Puerto Rico Institution/Affiliation country: University of Puerto Rico/PR

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Index: LILACS (Americas) Main subject: Genetic Therapy / RNA Interference / Molecular Biology Type of study: Prognostic study Limits: Animals / Humans Language: English Journal: P. R. health sci. j Journal subject: Medicine Year: 2005 Type: Article Affiliation country: Puerto Rico Institution/Affiliation country: University of Puerto Rico/PR