The present disclosure provides RNA molecules, for example, meroduplex ribonucleic acid molecules (mdRNA), and blunt ended double-stranded ribonucleic acid molecules capable of decreasing or silencing expression of a target gene. An mdRNA of this disclosure comprises at least three strands that combine to form at least two non-overlapping double-stranded regions separated by a nick or gap wherein one strand is complementary to a target mRNA. Also provided are methods of decreasing expression of a target gene in a cell or in a subject to treat a disease or condition associated with the target gene.