double-stranded RNA

role in RNA interference

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  In RNA interference

  …introducing short double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) segments into the cells of nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans). The dsRNA segments underwent enzymatic processing that enabled them to attach to molecules of messenger RNA (mRNA) possessing complementary nucleotide sequences. The attachment of the two RNAs inhibited the translation of the mRNA molecules into proteins

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  In RNA interference: RNAi in research and medicine

  …be silenced by segments of dsRNA that are introduced into cells in tissue culture revolutionized the study of gene function. Gene silencing by dsRNA makes use of the naturally occurring cell machinery that is involved in the processing of miRNA in eukaryotic cells. For example, each dsRNA is cleaved into…

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  In RNA interference: RNAi in research and medicine

  …employ viral vectors to introduce dsRNA into diseased cells. Interfering RNAs incorporated into vectors are being studied for their effectiveness in slowing tumour growth. For example, mRNA transcripts of genes known to be overactive in certain forms of cancer serve as useful targets for RNAi-based treatments, which can silence overactive…

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