Abstract:

RNA interference (RNAi), an evolutionarily conserved mechanism triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), causes gene silencing and inhibit translation in a sequence-specific manner. This technique was first time discovered in Nematode Caenorhabditiselegans.The specificity and robustness of RNAi have triggered an immense interest in using RNAi as a tool in various settings which results intovarious significantachievements in the area of therapeutics, crop protection, crop production, weed management etc. Furthermore, it has found to have immense potential in controlling agricultural and non agricultural pest such as pathogen i.ebacteria, fungi & virus, insect pest and nematodes. Moreover, RNAi leads to theenhancement of micronutrient or macronutrient bioavailability, improved salinity and droughttolerance as well as enhanced resistance toextreme hot and cold temperature tolerance.In this paper, we first reviewed the RNAi technology and its mechanism and then focused on of its applications in agriculture and biomedical research such as treatment for HIV, viral hepatitis and several other diseases.

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