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MicroRNA can selectively silence gene expression among cells in culture, through a process called RNA interference, or RNAi (Journal Watch Top Story Dec 31 2003). However, to treat diseases that are caused by aberrant gene expression, microRNA must find its way into cells in particular organs and avoid being degraded along the way. An international team reports that this process could be easier than we thought.
The team created a microRNA that was designed to turn off expression of the gene that encodes apolipoprotein B (apoB). They chemically modified the microRNA in such a way as to avoid its degradation and to encourage its uptake by target tissues. Then, they injected the modified microRNA intravenously into mice. ApoB gene expression wa…