Resumen

RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved biological mechanism triggered by double-stranded RNA from exogenous (small interfering RNA, siRNA) or endogenous origin (microRNAs, miRNA) that inhibits gene expression at transcriptional level. Although RNA; was first discovered as an ancient anti-viral response, RNAi is now recognized as a natural regulatory mechanism for gene silencing in eukaryotes and as a powerful tool for investigating gene function. Over the last 7 years, RNAi has become a valuable and standardized tool for the silencing of gene expression in almost every scientific research field. This review describes the RNAi as a biological response as well as a research tool for silencing gene expression, while focusing on primary information required when the RNAi is applying for first time at a laboratory. It also provides a basic guide to promote RNAi advantages and a list of available web tools for the application research field at a laboratory. Information about RNAi-based therapeutics development is included.

Palabras clave: RNA interference (RNAi) knocking down research tool small interference RNA (siRNA) microRNA (miRNA) RNAi-based therapeutic.

2010-06-15   |   585 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 61 Núm.5. Septiembre-Octubre 2009 Pags. 412-127 Rev Invest Clin 2009; 61(5-ENGLISH)