The last decade has seen an increased appreciation of the various functions of RNA beyond its role as an intermediary between DNA and proteins. Bruce Shapiro, Ph.D., a Senior Investigator in the Basic Research Laboratory in NCI's Center for Cancer Research, has developed nanoscale tools to take advantage of the ability of a kind of RNA called RNAi to silence genes. He constructs nanostructures out of RNA and DNA building blocks to deliver RNAi to specific locations in the body. The result is a customizable method for targeting particular genes within individual tumors or other diseased tissues. To learn more about Dr. Shapiro's research, please visit http://ccr.cancer.gov/staff/staff.asp?name=shapiro