Authors: Racz, Zs; Hamar, P.

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 13, Number 19, August 2006 , pp. 2299-2307(9)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

A new era in genetics has started 15 years ago, when co-suppression in petunia has been discovered. Later, co-suppression was identified as RNA interference (RNAi) in many plant and lower eukaryote animals. Although an ancient antiviral host defense mechanism in plants, the physiologic role of RNAi in mammals is still not completely understood. RNAi is directed by short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), one subtype of short double stranded RNAs. In this review we summarize the history and mechanisms of RNAi. We also aim to highlight the correlation between structure and efficacy of siRNAs. Delivery is the most important obstacle for siRNA based gene therapy. Viral and nonviral deliveries are discussed. In vivo delivery is the next obstacle to clinical trials with siRNAs. Although hydrodynamic treatment is effective in animals, it cannot be used in human therapy. One possibility is organ selective catheterization. The known side effects of synthesized siRNAs are also discussed. Although there are many problems to face in this new field of gene therapy, successful in vitro and in vivo experiments raise hope for treating human disease with siRNA.

Keywords: RNA interference (RNAi); short interfering RNA (siRNA); delivery; human gene therapy

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986706777935186

Affiliations: 1: Institute of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University of Medicine, H-1089 Budapest Nagyvarad ter 4, Hungry.

Publication date: 2006-08-01

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• Current Medicinal Chemistry covers all the latest and outstanding developments in medicinal chemistry and rational drug design. Each issue contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of the current topics in medicinal chemistry. Current Medicinal Chemistry is an essential journal for every medicinal chemist who wishes to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.

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