---
title: "RNA Interference (Gene Silencing): UPSC GS3 Guide"
description: "RNA interference silences specific genes by degrading mRNA, a key mechanism used in gene therapy and research by scientists like Fire and Mello."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/gene-silencing-rna-interference"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- RNA interference is a biological mechanism in which small RNA molecules silence specific genes by triggering the destruction or translational blockade of complementary messenger RNA.
- How does RNA interference differ from CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing?
- Who discovered RNA interference and when?
- What is the difference between siRNA and miRNA?
- What are the main challenges in developing RNAi therapeutics?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

RNA interference is a biological mechanism in which small RNA molecules silence specific genes by triggering the destruction or translational blockade of complementary messenger RNA.

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In August 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved patisiran (Onpattro), developed by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, as the first-ever RNA interference therapeutic, treating nerve damage from hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.

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