RNAi Technology: Transforming Biological Understanding and Therapeutic Innovation
RNA interference (RNAi) technology has emerged as one of the most powerful tools in modern molecular biology, reshaping how scientists understand gene expression and develop new therapeutic strategies. At its core, RNAi is a natural cellular process that regulates the activity of genes by silencing specific mRNA molecules, ultimately preventing the production of targeted proteins. This elegant mechanism has provided researchers with a precise and efficient approach to study gene function and design treatments for a variety of genetic and acquired diseases.
RNAi works through small RNA molecules—primarily small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA). When these molecules enter a cell, they guide protein complexes toward matching messenger RNA sequences. Once bound, the mRNA is degraded or its translation is inhibited, effectively switching off the gene. What makes RNAi so remarkable is its accuracy. Unlike earlier gene-modifying tools, RNAi can target genes…
