RNA interference: genetic wand and genetic watchdog.
In many species, introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) induces potent and specific gene silencing, a phenomenon called RNA interference or RNAi. The apparently widespread nature of RNAi in eukaryotes, ranging from trypanosome to mouse, has sparked great interest from both applied and fundamental standpoints. Here we review the technical improvements being made to increase the experimental potential of this technique. We also discuss recent advances in uncovering the proteins that act during the RNAi process, discoveries that have revealed enticing links between transposition, transgene silencing and RNAi.
Bosher
J M
JM
Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, BP163, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France.
Labouesse
M
M
D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000235:genetics; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells; D020868:Gene Silencing; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D008957:Models, Genetic; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D020871:RNA Stability; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D019076:Transgenes
D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded