Therapeutic potential of small interfering RNAs

Small interfering RNAs.(siRNAs) are emerging as a powerful genetic tool to silence gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. Silencing occurs by the targeted degradation of messenger RNAs. Currently, the technology is used to decipher a large number of biological processes essential for regulating cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. siRNAs not only provide exciting tools for the scientific community to study gene function and drug-target validation, but also hold promise as therapeutic gene-silencing reagents. In this regard, siRNA-based therapies have already been applied in animal models of various pathological disorders, such as viral infections, liver failure, sepsis, cancer and degenerative eye diseases.