1. It is used in developing gene-silencing therapies.
2. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules. This technology has gained immense popularity because of its potential in gene silencing, therapeutic applications, and agricultural improvements.
Statement 1 is correct: RNAi technology is primarily used to silence specific genes by targeting the messenger RNA (mRNA) produced by a gene. When RNAi molecules (small interfering RNA or siRNA) are introduced into cells, they bind to complementary mRNA, causing its degradation and preventing protein translation. This has vast potential in treating genetic diseases caused by overactive or malfunctioning genes. Gene therapies targeting diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease use RNAi to silence mutant genes causing the disease.
Statement 2 is correct: Numerous studies have demonstrated that RNAi can provide a more specific approach to inhibit tumor growth by targeting cancer-related genes (i.e., oncogene). Researchers are investigating RNAi-based therapeutics to target these oncogenes selectively.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that involves replacing hormones in the body to alleviate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances or deficiencies. Though RNAi has been investigated as a potential tool for regulating hormone-related genes, it is not a primary mechanism of action for HRT.
Statement 4 is correct: RNAi is increasingly applied in agriculture to create genetically modified crops that are resistant to viral infections. By silencing the genes of the virus or the plant’s genes that are required for viral replication, RNAi-based technologies offer a potential solution to combat viral pathogens that affect crops. Crops like papaya and potatoes have been genetically engineered using RNAi technology to confer resistance to viruses such as the papaya ringspot virus and potato virus Y.