RNA interference
Cells utilize RNA interference (RNAi) to regulate protein expression in many contexts. The discovery of RNAi has transformed our understanding of gene regulation as well as our ability to manipulate it. Gathered here is a selection of research and comment on RNAi published in the pages of Nature, including groundbreaking research from today's issue. This focus also brings together news and reviews from across the Nature Research, and a fantastic animation offers the chance to view the RNAi process in action.
RNAi animation
View the RNAi process in motion in this vivid computer animation, specially created for Nature Reviews by Arkitek Studios.
Our knowledge of RNA interference — popularly known as RNAi — has expanded dramatically in the short time since its discovery. Several types of small silencing RNAs have now been discovered, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs).
Small RNAs are involved in regulating gene expression in many ways, and RNAi is being harnessed by scientists for laboratory research and for the development of new therapies for disease.
This animation introduces the principles of RNAi involving siRNAs and miRNAs. We take you on an audio-visual journey through the steps of gene expression and give an up-to-date view of how RNAi can silence specific mRNAs in the cytoplasm.
Extra information about RNAi is provided in an accompanying slideshow.
View the animation
Scientific adviser: Craig C. Mello, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA.
Animation by Arkitek Studios.
Nature Reviews Focus
Recently published Reviews, Perspectives and Highlights on RNAi from across the Nature Research journals.
Nature Insight
A collection of reviews from Nature exploring the ramifications and potential uses of RNAi.
Nature Reviews Genetics Series: Non-coding RNA
