The project aims at the development of novel tools for triggering RNA interference (RNAi) that will allow for enhanced control of the phenomenon. RNAi describes the specific down-regulation of gene expression induced by homologous double-stranded RNAs, exploiting a naturally occurring pathway. Although it has been discovered recently, the technique has already become a valuable tool in modern biological sciences for controlling gene expression in eukaryotes. Moreover, RNA interference shows promising potential for therapy of a variety of clinical pictures. Tthe possibility to switch on and off RNAi by other nucleic acids, proteins, and small, drug-like molecules will be explored. In addition to the modulation of RNA interference by controlling siRNA activity, regulation could be achieved by localizing the effects.
