Abstract: A broad and extensive new category of targets for ribonucleic acids (RNAs) with interference activity (iRNAs), exclusive of the traditional messenger RNA (mRNA) targets have been discovered. iRNAs can be used to manipulate biological processes that do not explicitly involve mRNA and can be directed at non-coding RNAs, such as ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and transfer RNAs (tRNAs). iRNA sequences targeted at ribosomal rRNAs and tRNAs have been designed and tested. iRNA that targets a non-coding RNA is called non-coding interfering RNA (nciRNA). nciRNAs cause degradation of non-coding RNAs in vivo, and are highly active in biological assays. nciRNAs can be used as programmed toxins for specific targeting of eukaryotic pathogens and for protection of plants and structures from insects and weeds.

Abstract: A combined packing and assembly method that efficiently packs ribonucleic acid (RNA) into virus like particles (VLPs) has been developed. The VLPs can spontaneously assemble and load RNA in vivo, efficiently packaging specifically designed RNAs at high densities and with high purity. In some embodiments the RNA is capable of interference activity, or is a precursor of a RNA capable of causing interference activity. Compositions and methods for the efficient expression, production and purification of VLP-RNAs are provided. VLP-RNAs can be used for the storage of RNA for long periods, and provide the ability to deliver RNA in stable form that is readily taken up by cells.

Abstract: A broad and extensive new category of targets for ribonucleic acids (RNAs) with interference activity (iRNAs), exclusive of the traditional messenger RNA (mRNA) targets have been discovered. iRNAs can be used to manipulate biological processes that do not explicitly involve mRNA and can be directed at non-coding RNAs, such as ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and transfer RNAs (tRNAs). iRNA sequences targeted at ribosomal rRNAs and tRNAs have been designed and tested. iRNA that targets a non-coding RNA is called non-coding interfering RNA (nciRNA). nciRNAs cause degradation of non-coding RNAs in vivo, and are highly active in biological assays. nciRNAs can be used as programmed toxins for specific targeting of eukaryotic pathogens and for protection of plants and structures from insects and weeds.

Abstract: A combined packing and assembly method that efficiently packs ribonucleic acid (RNA) into virus like particles (VLPs) has been developed. The VLPs can spontaneously assemble and load RNA in vivo, efficiently packaging specifically designed RNAs at high densities and with high purity. In some embodiments the RNA is capable of interference activity, or is a precursor of a RNA capable of causing interference activity. Compositions and methods for the efficient expression, production and purification of VLP-RNAs are provided. VLP-RNAs can be used for the storage of RNA for long periods, and provide the ability to deliver RNA in stable form that is readily taken up by cells.