Laboratory of Neurosciences (O.M., M.P.M.), National Institute on Aging, Gerontology Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland; and
Departments of Neurology (D.S.G.) and Neuroscience (M.P.M.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Abstract629
I. Introduction 630
II. Principles of RNA interference 630
A. Post-transcriptional gene silencing and the discovery of RNA interference 630
B. Mechanisms of RNA interference 632
C. Other related phenomena . 634
III. Technical considerations in the use of RNA interference . 634
A. Design and synthesis of small interfering RNAs . 634
B. Construction of plasmids and viral vectors for RNA interference . 637
C. Transfection methods. 638
IV. Applications of RNA interference to establishing gene function640
A. Signal transduction 640
B. Cell cycle regulation640
C. Development 641
D. Macromolecular synthesis and degradation641
E. Cell motility . 641
F. Cell death. 642
G. Viral invasion/replication . 642
V. Therapeutic applications of RNA interference . 643
A. Cancer643
B. Infectious diseases . 643
C. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases 644
D. Neurodegenerative disorders 644
VI. The future of RNA interference in biology and medicine645
References646
