ABSTRACT
The process of RNA interference (RNAi) involves the targeted suppression of mRNA transcription via post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). Over the years elapsed, RNA silencing has been applied in functional genomics as a reverse genetics tool for identifying the functions of various genes. RNAi has been successfully exploited to serve as a defense mechanism for combating viral replication and mobile elements. Several components of the RNAi machinery have also been identified and manipulated to provide better therapeutic responses for mitigating various diseases such as cancer. The discovery of the RNAi pathway has further unleashed the potential for exploring the multidimensional, precise mechanisms for developing RNA-based drugs. This chapter elaborately discusses the evolution of RNAi, the mechanism, its application in various fields like agriculture and health care, and the advances in RNAi-based drug development.
