siRNAs

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are short, naturally occurring molecules that help regulate gene expression. They work by identifying specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which carry instructions from DNA to make proteins. Once bound to their target mRNA, siRNAs guide cellular machinery to degrade it, preventing the production of certain proteins. This process is a crucial part of gene regulation and defense against viruses, and scientists have harnessed siRNAs to selectively silence genes for research and potential therapies. Essentially, siRNAs act as precise genetic "bulldozers," turning off specific genes when needed.