title: RNAi As a tool for understanding germline development in Caenorhabditis elegans: uses and cautions.
abstract: RNA-mediated genetic interference (RNAi) has become a very useful tool for analyzing gene function in development and other processes. RNAi can be used as a complement to traditional genetic studies or as a primary means of determining biological function. However, the efficacy of RNAi depends on a variety of factors that the researcher must take into consideration. This review focuses on germline development in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, and discusses the uses and limitations of RNAi in providing new information about gene function as well as the possible endogenous role RNAi plays in germline physiology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Syracuse University, 108 College Place, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA. emmaine@syr.edu
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Maine
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000196:embryology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D008540:Meiosis; D008954:Models, Biological; D005810:Multigene Family; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism; D012329:RNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D019849:Sex Determination Processes; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: C042027:RNA I; D012329:RNA, Bacterial; D012313:RNA