RNA interference
BMJ 2004; 328 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.328.7450.1245 (Published 20 May 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;328:1245
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Sir:
It was very nice to read about RNA interference, which is
impressively reviewed by Julian Downward (2004). RNA interference is an
ancient method used by several viruses for their survival and reportedly
interferon system has evolved from RNA interference.
In the past, genetic research has met some failures whenever it comes
to clinical therapeutic applications in real life situations. Antisense
and gene therapy completely failed to deliver any therapeutic benefits to
patients with viral diseases, cancers, inflammatory diseases and
degenerative disorders. Now, we have RNA interference the underlying
principle of which is to suppress elevated gene expression reported in
many diseases such as macular degeneraion, diabetes mellitus type 2,
syncytial viral infection, asthma and some of them are mentioned up. The
main problems with RNA interference would be; precise delivery of siRNA
system; targeting specific genes; no interference with interferon system;
and finally no unnecessary suppression of other genes, which are in fact
not elevated.
Finally, RNA interefence, a genetic modality is apparently a strong
therapeutic hope for patients suffering from diseases which are either
incurable such as cancers and AIDS or crippling such as ALS, macular
degenrations, and Parkinson disease.
Reference:
Julian Downward. RNA interference.BMJ 2004; 328: 1245-1248
Competing interests:
Pro-Genetic researcher
Competing interests: No competing interests
Virus-Encoded MicroRNAs
Dear Sir,
small RNAs are now detected in Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV).
These miRNAs are interfering with host genes.
The elusive enigma of common cold, induced by picoRNA, will be solved
by these methods.
The key is small RNA, siRNA, miRNA, picoRNA.
I believe, these RNAs interfere with microbes and man.
We should observe and understand.
We will not be able to interfere in natures hidden life in the easy
way. (As many believe or say to the public.)
Sincerily Yours
Friedrich Flachsbart
S. Pfeffer et al.:
Identification of Virus-Encoded MicroRNAs.
Science 2004;304:734-736
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests