Abstract

Short interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, belong to a class of RNA species which play a role in both cellular defence and gene regulation. siRNAs are members of a larger RNA interference pathway found within cells and are involved in the degradation of RNAs which possess complementarity to specific target sequences. This property has given siRNA technology the potential to become a powerful new tool for a wide variety of disciplines, ranging from the design of novel anti-cancer agents to agricultural applications. The following review outlines novel delivery systems that can be used for applied siRNA technologies. Improved delivery systems for the cellular uptake of siRNAs using both viral expression vectors and nanoliposomal particles are discussed. New therapeutics that can be used to combat human disease and agricultural applications of siRNA technologies are also described. This review attempts to pave the way for future innovations based upon RNA interference in medicine and agriculture.

Keywords: siRNA, nanocarrier, lentiviral vector, delivery vehicle, RNA interference, siRNA Conjugates, virus expression vectors, Nonviral Nanocarrier Systems, VEGFR, neurodegenerative diseases