Effect of base modifications on structure, thermodynamic stability, and gene silencing activity of short interfering RNA.

A series of nucleobase-modified siRNA duplexes containing "rare" nucleosides, 2-thiouridine (s(2)U), pseudouridine (Psi), and dihydrouridine (D), were evaluated for their thermodynamic stability and gene silencing activity. The duplexes with modified units at terminal positions exhibited similar stability as the nonmodified reference. Introduction of the s(2)U or Psi units into the central part of the antisense strand resulted in duplexes with higher melting temperatures (Tm).

Chemical and structural diversity of siRNA molecules.

Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are 21-23 nt long double-stranded oligoribonucleotides which in mammalian cells exhibit a potency for sequence-specific gene silencing via an RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. It has been already proven that exogenous, chemically synthesized siRNA molecules are effective inhibitors of gene expression and are widely applied for analysis of protein function and proteomics-based target identification. Moreover, since their discovery siRNA molecules have been implemented as potential candidates for therapeutic applications.