The fascinating world of RNA interference
Keywords:
RNA, Gene therapy, Molecular biologyAbstract
We will explore the role of RNA interference (RNAi) discovered in 1990 when trying to modify the color of petunia flowers, revealing its ability to regulate genes. Its action on messenger RNA was demonstrated in nematodes and this discovery earned Fire and Mello the Nobel Prize in 2006. The loss of RNAi makes organisms susceptible to viruses, but some take advantage of this as a competitive weapon. This phenomenon, observed in yeast and parasites, highlights the complexity of gene regulation and opens doors to medical and biotechnological applications.
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