RT Journal
A1 Lowry SF
T1 RNa silencing in surgical disease—invited critique
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 2003
FD October 1
VO 138
IS 10
SP 1148
OP 1148
DO 10.1001/archsurg.138.10.1148
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.138.10.1148
AB 
It has been known for some time that small RNA sequences could interfere (interfering RNA [iRNA]) with gene expression. This influence assumed new importance with the identification of an enzyme, the so-called dicer, that produces small RNAs from dsRNA. These small RNAs come in at least 2 flavors: siRNAs and micro-RNAs. Both species probably participate in iRNA in concert with an enzyme complex (RISC) by degrading complementary mRNAs. Such control of gene expression and protein production also may protect cells from adverse viral influences on gene transcription and chromatin stability.