shRNA

shRNA, or short hairpin RNA, is a tool used by scientists to regulate gene expression. It mimics a natural process in cells called RNA interference, where small RNA molecules can block specific genes from producing proteins. shRNA is designed with a hairpin loop structure that RNA enzymes process into smaller pieces, which then bind to the target gene's messenger RNA. This binding prevents the gene from making its protein, effectively turning it off. shRNA is often used in research to study gene functions or in potential therapies to correct or silence harmful genes.