Effect of small, often double-stranded RNA targeting a specific messenger RNA (mRNA), blocking its translation, and thereby silencing expression of the corresponding gene.
Notes: - Cells produce two types of small RNA, microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), that are both involved in the regulation of gene expression.
- As an experimental technique, RNAi uses designed sequences to silence a gene of interest.
- Short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) are sequences, designed for improved effect in RNAi experiments, that have a base-paired stem representing the double-stranded portion and an intervening unpaired loop.
Source:
PAC, 2016, 88, 713. 'Glossary of terms used in developmental and reproductive toxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)' on page 801 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-1202)