RNA INTERFERENCE Meaning and
Definition
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RNA interference, commonly known as RNAi, is a naturally occurring biological process that regulates gene expression in cells. It involves the silencing of specific genes through the degradation or inhibition of their messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. RNAi plays a crucial role in numerous essential cellular functions and is also utilized as a powerful research tool.
At the molecular level, RNAi is initiated by small RNA molecules known as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or microRNAs (miRNAs). These small RNAs are generated from longer double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules or are transcribed from specific regions of the genome. The siRNAs or miRNAs are then incorporated into an enzymatic complex known as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC).
Once the RISC is formed, the complementary siRNA or miRNA binds to its target mRNA, leading to either cleavage of the mRNA by the Argonaute protein within the RISC or the prevention of translation. This results in the silencing of the gene by preventing the production of its corresponding protein.
RNA interference is involved in various essential biological processes, including development, immunity, and defense against viral infections. Additionally, scientists have harnessed this phenomenon for experimental purposes, such as gene knockout studies and therapeutic applications. By using synthetic siRNAs or designing specific miRNAs, researchers can selectively silence genes of interest and study their functions or explore potential therapeutic interventions to treat various diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders.
Etymology of RNA INTERFERENCE
The term "RNA interference" (RNAi) is derived from the combination of two components: "RNA" and "interference".
1. RNA: RNA stands for ribonucleic acid, a molecule essential for various biological processes, including the transfer of genetic information from DNA to protein synthesis.
2. Interference: This term refers to the action of hindering, obstructing, or interfering with a process. In the context of RNA interference, it refers to the process of interfering with the gene expression or protein synthesis by RNA molecules.
The word "interference" emphasizes the mechanism through which small RNA molecules silence or regulate the expression of specific genes by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules and preventing their translation into proteins.
