In vivo imaging of RNA interference

J Nucl Med. 2010 Feb;51(2):169-72. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.109.066878. Epub 2010 Jan 15.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi), an effective technique for regulating or silencing specific genes, can be applied to treat various diseases. Multiple clinical trials using RNAi are ongoing, and molecular imaging can serve as a powerful tool in RNAi-based therapies. This brief review will highlight the current progress on in vivo imaging of RNAi delivery and silencing effects. Incorporation of suitable molecular imaging techniques into future RNAi-based clinical trials will provide more pieces of the puzzle, thus facilitating the transformation of RNAi into a powerful therapeutic modality in the clinic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Luminescent Measurements
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Quantum Dots
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering