Fighting against kidney diseases with small interfering RNA: opportunities and challenges

J Transl Med. 2015 Feb 1:13:39. doi: 10.1186/s12967-015-0387-2.

Abstract

The significant improvements in siRNA therapy have been achieved, which have great potential applications in humans. The kidney is a comparatively easy target organ of siRNA therapy due to its unique structural and functional characteristics. Here, we reviewed recent achievements in siRNA design, delivery and application with focuses on kidney diseases, in particular kidney transplant-related injuries. In addition, the strategy for increasing serum stability and immune tolerance of siRNA was also discussed. At last, the future challenges of siRNA therapy including organ/tissue/cell-specific delivery and time-controlled silence, as well as selecting therapeutic targets, were addressed as well.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / therapy*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering