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Questions and Answers
What are the two primary types of RNA involved in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway?
Which RNA type is genomically encoded and generally consists of a stem-loop structure?
What is the primary function of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the RNA interference mechanism?
Where does RNA interference primarily occur?
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What is the size range of miRNA molecules typically found in the RNA interference pathway?
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Which of the following RNA types is derived from exogenous double-stranded RNA?
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Which type of RNA is specifically recognized in the RNA-induced silencing complex?
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What is the role of antisense RNA in plants regarding RNA interference?
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What is the role of RNA interference (RNAi) in plants?
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Which organism is mentioned as notably absent from the RNAi mechanism?
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What enables bacterial small noncoding RNAs to silence genes?
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What is a function of RNAi beyond gene regulation?
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What is required for achieving RNA interference with synthetic RNA?
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What does the term 'knock-down' refer to in the context of RNAi?
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In which of the following organisms can RNAi be used as a research tool to study protein functions?
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What is the role of Dicer and Argonaute in yeast RNAi?
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What is a notable advantage of using RNA interference (RNAi) in biotechnology?
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Which of the following statements about RNAi-based therapeutics is true?
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What is a challenge associated with delivering RNAi therapy?
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As of July 2023, how many ongoing clinical trials involving RNAi were reported?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a pro of RNAi in biotechnology?
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Which of the following RNAi-based medications have been approved?
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What does the RNA-induced silencing complex primarily do?
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What is a potential disadvantage of RNA interference technology?
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Study Notes
RNA Interference Overview
- RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process regulating gene expression by silencing specific mRNAs.
- Both microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) play roles in gene regulation through RNAi.
Discovery and Mechanism
- Many genes yield RNA products, including mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, snRNA, snoRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, piRNA, siRNA, and short hairpin RNA (shRNA).
- miRNA is genomically encoded and typically has a single-stranded stem-loop structure, approximately 20-25 base pairs long (~22nt).
- siRNA originates from exogenous double-stranded RNA and operates through an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC).
Variation Across Organisms
- RNAi functions primarily in eukaryotes but is not universally present in all eukaryotic organisms; lacking notably in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
- RNAi is more prevalent in plants, where it is heritable, unlike in mammals.
- RNAi also serves as a defense mechanism against pathogens, allowing degradation of foreign mRNA.
Synthetic RNA and Gene Silencing
- Synthetic RNA, such as dsRNA or pre-miRNA, can be introduced to target mRNA, enabling gene-specific degradation and protein knock-down.
- RNAi serves as a lab tool to explore protein functions across various model organisms.
Biotechnology Applications
- RNA interference in plants is utilized to manage pests and diseases, enhance crop quality, improve abiotic stress tolerance, and induce male sterility.
- Advantages include no permanent gene alteration, while disadvantages include potential off-target effects, short-term efficacy, and delivery challenges.
Therapeutic Potential
- RNAi is a vital mechanism for silencing gene expression, offering pathways for new drug development.
- The RNAi machinery (Dicer and Argonaute proteins) is found in all human cells, allowing precise targeting of mRNA/protein without modifying genomic DNA.
- Shorter development times compared to traditional antibodies and small chemical drugs are advantageous for RNAi therapies.
Clinical Trials and Challenges
- From 1998 to 2022, there were 90 reported clinical trials on RNAi therapies, with 48 ongoing as of July 2023.
- Six RNAi-based drugs have received approval in the US and Europe: Patisiran, Givosiran, Lumasiran, Inclisiran, Vutrisiran, and Rivfloza.
- Challenges in RNAi therapy include potential immune responses, treating RNA as foreign material without proper modification, and potential off-target effects.
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Description
This quiz explores the discovery of RNA interference and its significance in gene expression. It covers the roles of various RNA molecules, including mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA, in the processes of transcription and translation. Test your understanding of these essential biological concepts!
