Since the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) in 1998, research on the topic has advanced at an impressive pace. Small RNAs and, in particular, micro RNAs (miRNAs) play a fundamental role in gene regulation through the activation of RNAi. Detailed insights into the mechanisms of RNAi have led to an improved understanding of gene regulation in normal and disease states, and thereby enabled the exploitation of RNAi for a variety of applications. In this book, an international panel of RNAi experts critically reviews the most interesting advances in basic applied RNAi research, highlighting the applications in RNAi-based therapies and discussing the technical hurdles that remain. Topics covering the fundamental biological aspects of applied RNAi research include: the role of miRNAs in trinucleotide repeat disorders * miRNAs and HIV pathogenesis * miRNAs for epigenetic gene silencing * the role of miRNAs in virus-related cancers * non-canonical miRNA biogenesis. In the area of RNAi-based therapy, topics include: harnessing RNAi for the treatment of viral infections * optimizing the design of exogenous RNAi activators * blocking miRNA function with synthetic agents * somatic cell reprogramming * high-content miRNA-based screening tools * the use of miRNA target sites for control of transgene expression. The book will be essential reading for everyone involved in RNAi research, drug discovery and delivery, biomedical engineering, and biomaterials. Subject: Molecular Biology, Genomics, Life Science]

Commonly used by researchers to develop technologies for modifying and studying genetic process, RNA interference (RNAi) has many potential uses in medicine, biotechnology, and functional genomics. This book covers all essential aspects involved in the development of RNAi therapeutics, providing detailed guidance on the challenges and opportunities of bringing RNAi technologies from bench to clinic. It explores the design and mechanism of RNAi molecules, delivery strategies, and therapeutic applications in various diseases. Preclinical, regulatory, market, and intellectual aspects of RNAi technologies are also covered.

In the past three years, the use of double-stranded RNA to silence gene activity has become widely and rapidly adopted. RNA interference is highly specific and remarkably potent, and it acts on cells and tissues far removed from the site of introduction. The principles behind RNAi are just being uncovered, but this laboratory technique has been applied effectively in a wide variety of animal and plant species. Variations on RNAi are revolutionizing many approaches to experimental biology, complementing traditional genetic technologies with a quicker and less expensive way of mimicking the effects of mutations both in cell cultures and in living animals. Recent advances in the use of RNAi to engineer heritable silencing in mammals, to alter stem cells for organ reconstitution, and to alter the course of disease in model systems indicate that RNAi may have a future in disease therapy. Written by pioneers in this new field and edited by Gregory Hannon, one of its leading figures, RNAi: A Guide to Gene Silencing presents the principles of RNAi and reliable protocols for its laboratory use in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, plants, avian embryos, mammalian cells, mouse oocytes, and more. This important and unique book is an essential laboratory resource for scientists studying gene regulation and for all experimental biologists interested in the emerging practical applications of RNAi.

RNA technologies are the driving forces of modern medicine and biotechnology. They combine the fields of biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physics, nanotechnology and bioinformatics. The combination of these topics is set to revolutionize the medicine of tomorrow. After more than 15 years of extensive research in the field of RNA technologies, the first therapeutics are ready to reach the first patients. Thus we are witnessing the birth of a very exciting time in the development of molecular medicine, which will be based on the methods of RNA technologies. This volume is the first of a series. It covers various aspects of RNA interference and microRNAs, although antisense RNA applications, hammerhead ribozyme structure and function as well as non-coding RNAs are also discussed. The authors are internationally highly respected experts in the field of RNA technologies.

Plants are vulnerable to pathogens including fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which cause critical problems and deficits. Crop protection by plant breeding delivers a promising solution with no obvious effect on human health or the local ecosystem. Crop improvement has been the most powerful approach for producing unique crop cultivars since domestication occurred, making possible the main innovations in feeding the globe and community development. Genome editing is one of the genetic devices that can be implemented, and disease resistance is frequently cited as the most encouraging application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in agriculture. Nanobiotechnology has harnessed the power of genome editing to develop agricultural crops. Nanosized DNA or RNA nanotechnology approaches could contribute to raising the stability and performance of CRISPR guide RNAs. This book brings together the latest research in these areas. CRISPR and RNAi Systems: Nanobiotechnology Approaches to Plant Breeding and Protection presents a complete understanding of the RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 techniques for controlling mycotoxins, fighting plant nematodes, and detecting plant pathogens. CRISPR/Cas genome editing enables efficient targeted modification in most crops, thus promising to accelerate crop improvement. CRISPR/Cas9 can be used for management of plant insects, and various plant pathogens. The book is an important reference source for both plant scientists and environmental scientists who want to understand how nano biotechnologically based approaches are being used to create more efficient plant protection and plant breeding systems. Shows how nanotechnology is being used as the basis for new solutions for more efficient plant breeding and plant protection Outlines the major techniques and applications of both CRISPR and RNAi technologies Assesses the major challenges of escalating these technologies on a mass scale

RNAi technology is used for large-scale screens that systematically shut down each gene in the cell, which can help identify the components necessary for a particular cellular process or an event such as cell division. Exploitation of the pathway is also a promising tool in biotechnology and medicine. Introducing new technology in the study of RNA

The phenomenon of RNA interference has rapidly moved from groundbreaking scientific discovery to promising therapeutic approach. However, even as RNAi-based drugs enter the clinic, significant challenges remain, particulary in the area of delivery. Therapeutic Applications of RNAi provides detailed protocols in key areas of current focus, including testing of delivery vehicles, identification of appropriate model systems, and evaluation of the effects of RNAi in vivo. Produced by a team of internationally renowned authors, the volume describes the therapeutic applications of RNAi and potential pitfalls in oncology, viral infections and CNS disease, using a variety of delivery methods, including liposomes, peptide-based nanoparticles, polycationic polymers, and viral vehicles. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, the chapters include brief introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Therapeutic Applications of RNAi is an ideal guide for scientists attempting to solve the numerous challenges in this field and revolutionize the treatment of disease.