Research Overview
Transfecting RNAi into Target Cells Proves to be a Significant Challenge
Delivering or transfecting ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) into
mammalian cells is one of the biggest challenges facing researchers. In
addition, a tedious optimization process is a prerequisite for the transfection
of standard cell lines with commonly used lipofection reagents. Successful
delivery of RNAi depends on a few key factors such as the target cell line, RNAi
concentration, the ratio of RNAi to the transfection reagent, cell confluence
during transfection, and incubation time. Another challenge lies in improving
the target specificity of RNAi. In this regard, a well designed RNAi has greater
chances of success in targeting the messenger RNA (mRNA) of interest and
minimizing off-target effects. In order to test and compare RNAi sequences,
researchers need to monitor and optimize RNAi purity and integrity, its uptake,
and cell viability.
This Frost & Sullivan research analyzes emerging technologies and
applications in RNAi design and delivery. Technological trends, drivers,
challenges, and recent developments assist in creating effective marketing and
production strategies. Participants can identify potential collaborators, stay
ahead of the competition, and keep abreast of critical developments in their
industry.
Failure of Related Researches and Technologies Sparks Interest in RNAi
Projects
After disappointing results from genomic projects involving antisense
technologies and ribozyme projects for gene therapy, researchers are looking at
RNAi for a more positive feedback. Since its discovery in 1998, the number of
published research papers pertaining to RNAi has skyrocketed from 15 to nearly
1,000 in 2003. "The potential this technology holds is amazing, as it
provides a new approach to drug discovery, validation, and delivery, amongst
other advantages," says the analyst. Given its recent successes in
attacking viruses such as HIV, and hepatitis B and C, RNAi holds immense
potential for quicker drug delivery. RNAis reach is expected to expand in the
future, as it attains the capabilities for treating renal and metabolic
disorders, and diseases such as cancers and those pertaining to the central
nervous system.
RNAi Moves from the Realms of High Throughput Screening to Therapeutics
While RNAi expertise, at present, lies primarily in high-throughput screening
(HTS), the technology is set to begin clinical trials and RNAi-based drugs might
be a reality by 2010. RNAi therapies that are likely to reach humans first are
those targeting macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. "Caused
by over expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cells in the
back of the eye, the disease has several attributes that make it an ideal RNAi
showcase," explains the analyst.
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