Abstract: In the regulation of gene expression, a series of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) play a wide role. RNA activation (RNAa) is a newly discovered model for RNA-regulated gene expression. The process is triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules, resulting in de novo expression of the target genes at the transcriptional level by targeting the gene promoter region. These RNA molecules are termed as small activating RNAs (saRNA). The saRNA-induced gene expression can last relatively longer than siRNA-induced gene silencing, which provides a new idea and method for the treatment of cancer, metabolism and genetic diseases. Therefore, it represents a potential means in disease intervention. In this paper, we summarize the definition of saRNA, its characteristics of action and potential roles in tumor regulation and cure.