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 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Andrew Z. Fire and Craig C. Mello for their discovery of RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi is a biological process in which RNA molecules can silence (inhibit) or up- or down-regulate gene expression, typically by causing the destruction of specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. This collection of articles begins with an introduction to RNAi, and proceeds to describe uses of this technology in various approaches to disease treatment, including gene therapy. Several laboratory protocols for silencing genes via RNAi are also provided, as are protocols for down-regulating and then rescuing those down-regulated genes, which demonstrates specificity of the approach. This e-book — a curated collection from eLS, WIREs, and Current Protocols — offers a fantastic introduction to the field of RNA interference for students or interdisciplinary collaborators.

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.

This methods manual provides an introduction to RNA interference, the theory behind its many applications, and specific protocols for RNAi, in organisms from plants and C.elegans to Drosophila and mammals. There are also chapters covering small hairpin RNAs and viral-induced gene silencing.

The enormous potential of siRNA as a therapeutic has led to an explosion of interest from the scientific community. There has been intense interest from Big Pharma to capitalise on this new technology but the fact remains that delivery is a key determinant in realizing the full clinical potential of RNA interference. There is an urgent need for better delivery methods to take this technology forward. This book addresses the role of different RNAi molecules in cellular processes as rational for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This book will cover RNAi therapeutic design to optimize siRNA potency and reduce off-target effects and current delivery technologies to overcome both intracellular and extracellular barriers. The reader will gain an insight into RNA interference from the cellular mechanisms to screening to siRNA design right through to diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Maximizing the potential of RNA interference in functional genomics - as well as in the development of therapeutics - continues to be at the forefront of biomedical research. Unlike journal articles, Gene Silencing by RNA Interference: Technology and Application combines essential background to the RNAi field with practical techniques designed by r

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard, Methods in Enzymology, is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. The series contains much material still relevant today - truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.RNA Interference will cover RNAi in non-vertebrates (plants, C. elegans, drosophila, and S. pombe), and Mammalian systems (human and non-human cells). This volume discusses extensive methodology related to delivery methods high throughput strategies and prospects as a human therapy agent. * One of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry since 1955 * Frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike * Truly an essential publication for anyone in any field of the life sciences