RNA: Secret Weapon Against Disease

Once seen as weak partner of DNA, gene helps control cells' activity
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 11, 2008 12:05 PM CST
RNA: Secret Weapon Against Disease
Ribonuecleic acid, or RNA, was once thought merely to be a messenger for the deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, in a body, but its effects are much broader and more essential.

RNA has long been seen as DNA’s little brother, a messenger between the human genome and cells’ protein factories. But studies point to a bigger role—ribonucleic acid can “turn off” certain genes, for example, fighting a range of health problems, the New York Times reports. “This is potentially the biggest change in our understanding of biology since the discovery of the double helix,” says a biologist.

RNA’s ability to mute certain genes, known as RNA interference, could have big implications, with scientists attempting to manipulate the process to fight diseases from respiratory problems to cancer. But getting RNA to its target is tricky: Implanted RNA could have unforeseen effects on the wrong genes, or the body may see it as a virus. (More RNA stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X