The stability of dsRNA during external applications - an overview.

Abstract

Abstract The research community is deeply convinced that RNA is unstable in the environment. Its roots rise from numerous failed attempts to isolate functional cellular RNA molecules. Further support had originated from the fast turnover of RNA in the cells. The situation changed recently with the discovery that externally applied dsRNA can produce targeted gene silencing in plant-feeding insects. First results have demonstrated that external dsRNA can successfully pass the insect gastrointestinal tract and reach its final destination within the body cells. This was somewhat unexpected and sparked new interest in RNA stability in the environment and its fate in the insect organism. In this brief review we make an attempt to summarize current knowledge and to propose a model of how dsRNA can perform its function under these settings.