Project 6: RNAi as treatment

RNA interference (RNAi) is a fascinating intracellular mechanism that specifically degrades the mRNA of a gene, ultimately leading to a reduction (knockdown) in gene expression. RNAi can also be induced experimentally and used to suppress the expression of disease-relevant genes. Recently, the first RNAi-based drugs have been approved for human use by the EMA.

In this project supported by Merck, we are pioneering the establishment of foundations for the application of RNAi therapy against parasites. Using chemically optimized siRNA molecules, we selectively suppress the expression of essential genes in schistosomes, which reside in the blood of their host.

Worms of the species Schistosoma mansoni, naturally living within the blood system of its host