Abstract RNAi, of whom the regulatory mechanism is being investigated deeply, has become a kind of powerful research tool to regulate the expression of target genes for expectant phenotypes. There are at least three RNA silencing pathways in plant, and the silencing signals involved in these pathways can be amplified, transmitted and self-regulated. In order to construct an effective and commercial technical system, the problems must be solved: efficient delivery, enhanced stability, minimization of off-target effects and identification of sensitive sites in the target RNAs. The advances on mechanism and application of RNAi function in plant cell engineering up to date were summarized in this review, and the practical technical system was also discussed in details.
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