The discovery of gene silencing mechanisms in our own cells using RNA interference is very recent. However, in less than a decade, the scientific investigation have progressed enough to make us see that, very soon, we will use this knowledge for therapeutic purposes. RNA duplexes are potential pharmaceutical drugs and there are high investments in this new strategy. The promising gene therapy seems to finally reach maturity with these new tools.

RNA interference; Gene silencing; Cancer; Gene therapy; Viral infection