Species-specific siRNAs

This definition expands our earlier thoughts in two ways. First, we have included specification of RNA molecules as well as proteins. As noted above, many RNA molecules serve a role as message carrier from DNA to the protein-synthesizing machinery (mRNA) and are translated into protein structures. Other RNA molecules serve other functions as components of the ribosome, rRNA, or as an interface between mRNA and amino acids in protein synthesis, tRNA. Finally, we have the very small RNA molecules known as siRNA. These species of RNA are not translated into proteins and this requires that the definition of a gene include the specification of their structure. 

Several distinct siRNA design criteria are independently evaluated in the selection of a lead RNAi therapeutic. The primary criteria are potency of the siRNA, specificity to the target gene, and cross-reactivity of the siRNA with respect to humans and all the attendant toxicology species. 

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