RNAi: nature abhors a double-strand.
In organisms as diverse as nematodes, trypanosomes, plants, and fungi, double-stranded RNA triggers the destruction of homologous mRNAs, a phenomenon known as RNA interference. RNA interference begins with the transformation of the double-stranded RNA into small RNAs that then guide a protein nuclease to destroy their mRNA targets.
Hutvágner
György
G
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA.
Zamore
Phillip D
PD
D000818:Animals; D004722:Endoribonucleases / Q000502:physiology*; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D012324:RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / Q000502:physiology*; D043244:Ribonuclease III
D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012324:RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase; D004722:Endoribonucleases; D043244:Ribonuclease III