[RNA interference--towards individualized genetic medicine].

RNA interference (RNAi) is an evolutionarily conserved cellular mechanism by which gene expression is suppressed by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in a sequence-specific manner. Enzymatically processed dsRNA molecules (siRNAs) target and facilitate cleavage of mRNA. By harnessing the RNAi machinery using synthetic or DNA-encoded RNA effectors, the siRNA technology offers new therapeutic strategies for genetic diseases. We outline the basic mechanisms of RNAi and present state-of-the-art examples of in vivo siRNA delivery towards development of RNAi-based individualized drugs.