Possible early breakthrough in AIDS research

[twilyth]

Using interference RNA (RNAi) researchers have been able to prevent progression of AIDS in artificial human immune system. (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807130828.htm)

Interference RNA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA_interference) is the reverse image of messenger RNA which is used to transcribe base pair sequences from nuclear DNA to working proteins. There are several stages in the transcription process, but the RNA stage is one which has been the subject of much research. The 2006 nobel prize in phsyiology and medicine (see article) was awarded for the discovery of RNAi.

[64dragon]

dont have time to read the articles at the moment but from what you posted, thats awesome. i'll check the links later

[loonym]

This is very good stuff. I've lost a couple close friends to this disease a few years back and I have a couple others who are living with it.

[xVeinx]

RNAi is a really cool technique (we use it all the time in our lab). I've wondered about possible clinical uses in the past, but didn't think it was possible to be honest. Using antibodies is a pretty good idea, as it would allow stability of the siRNA presumably (RNA is a very fragile molecule easily degraded). It would take a lot of antibody however and a lot of siRNA to maintain the levels necessary for the process. As well, a certain amount of titration might be necessary as too large of a knockdown might cause other damage to the T cells...

[road-runner]

I also have lost a few friends and know some people living with it. This is good news...:up: