Uren et al., (2015) investigated the mechanism of action of the RNA-binding protein MSI1 to help identify target genes. Using individual-nucleotide resolution cross-linking and immunoprecipitation, researchers found that MSI1 prefers UAG sequences with a specific structure, especially in the 3’ untranslated region. MSI1 target RNAs encode proteins involved in cell proliferation and adhesion, known to underlie the spread of glioblastomas.

Donald and colleagues (2016) researched the genomic sequences of the zika virus to understand the host and viral interactions along with the process of replication. One response, interferon, to the zika virus is suppressed to allow the virus to replicate. siRNA causes the suppression of the interferon response.

Other works have contradicted models where there is independent evolution of these traits.

They suggest that due to the similarity of the molecules in the processes, they are closely related and come from a common ancestor.

It is also suggested that this is true for turtles as well which have been shown to need the placode for the development of their shell.