RNA technologies: mechanisms of action, applications and forms of delivery
08.07.2024
This SCNAT report, jointly commissioned by the SECB and the former Biotechnology Section of the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN, presents various RNA technologies. It describes the mechanisms of action at the molecular level and illustrates them using specific examples. The report focuses on RNA technologies that are relevant for applications in medicine and in plant protection.
RNA-based technologies and products have undergone rapid development and refinement in recent years thanks to intensive research. They therefore offer huge potential for the treatment and prevention of various diseases and for applications in agriculture. Some products are already on the market or are in the development and/or authorisation process.
The detailed report provides a scientific basis for assessing and discussing the benefits, risks and limitations of the various RNA technologies and their products. It is based on the latest specialist literature and expert assessments and describes the following eight RNA technologies:
- post-transcriptional gene silencing
- mRNA technologies
- RNA aptamers
- long non-coding RNAs
- RNA-directed DNA methylation
- RNA activation (RNAa)
- circular RNAs
- ribozymes
RNA technologies: Mechanisms of action, applications and forms of delivery (scnat.ch) (available in German and English)
The SCNAT has also published an abridged version aimed at a wider audience. It presents specific examples of applications in medicine and agriculture: On the road to success: RNA technologies in medicine and agriculture (scnat.ch) (available in German and French)