RNAi: Applications and possibilities in next generation ageing research

Ageing is characterized by a general decline in physiological function that leads to morbidity and eventually, mortality. This conserved process is related to so many genes in living organism those are directly or indirectly involved to regulate ageing. RNA interference (RNAi) is a kind of genetic tool that has ability not only to screen specific gene but also to silence gene expression. The search for genetic mechanisms affecting lifespan and ageing represents an important part of ageing research. The feasibility of genome wide RNAi screens potentially much simplifies the identification of novel ageing related genes. In this review the applications of RNAi in ageing research were discussed. Besides the purposes of the study were to highlight the current and future impacts of this technology in the field. In particular, how the flexible control of RNAi induction can support the study of ageing through specific experiments has become highlighted. Since RNAi has emerged as a powerful tool for the study of ageing it has possibility to allow the further characterization of the roles of specific genes in the ageing process as well as the efficient identification of new genes implicated. Corresponding genes with age related diseases also be possible to screen and study by RNA interference (RNAi). Specific RNAi time course experiments provide an opportunity for the analysis of high resolution gene expression in ageing relevant processes. In near future RNAi tool box will considerably contribute to the next steps in researching the genetics of ageing and age related diseases.