摘要：microRNAs.are pos.-trans.riptional regulators.of gene expres.ion that recruit RNA s.lencing complexes.to target trans.ripts.to prevent trans.ation and promote their degradation. Experimental s.udies.s.gges. that microRNA binding to target trans.ripts.can res.lt in as.much as.a 90% decreas. in gene expres.ion. Becaus. of this.feature, the microRNA pathway has.been utilized as.a vehicle for potent RNA interference (RNAi). In recent years. s.gnificant advances.have been made in engineering artificial microRNA vectors.for RNAi in a number of biological s.s.ems. with the mos. progres. in plants.but als. s.me s.cces. in mous. and human cell lines. In this.mini-review, we provide a brief dis.us.ion of the potential of this.technology in comparis.n with other RNAi s.rategies. and the current challenges.in the des.gn of microRNA-bas.d RNAi vectors. particularly for animal s.s.ems.