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The Goal of Gene Inhibition Therapy and How It Works

What is the goal of gene inhibition?

Gene inhibition therapy aims to stop a gene that is toxic to the cells. 

For example, an oncogene is a type of gene that can sometimes cause cancer by stimulating uncontrolled cell growth. Interfering with that oncogene’s ability to function could prevent such uncontrolled cell growth and stop the spread of cancer. 

Gene editing is an approach that allows scientists to make precise changes to a cell's DNA. Several technologies allow scientists to cut DNA at specific spots, like scissors, so they can add, remove, or change genetic material where it is cut

Discover the science of gene inhibition

One method of gene inhibition is  RNA interference (RNAi). 

RNA regulates the expression of genes by preventing the production of harmful proteins. RNAi therapy uses this naturally occurring process, designing and producing synthetic RNA that can find and inhibit certain sequences of genetic code and halt the harmful effects of certain malfunctioning genes.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) can work as a messenger, carrying instructions from DNA that control the production of proteins. Gene inhibition therapy based on RNA inhibition (RNAi) involves designing RNA in a lab specifically to be complementary to a cell's messenger RNA (mRNA).

Next  Learn about another form of gene therapy: gene editing