Gene silencing in Caenorhabditis elegans by transitive RNA interference.
When a cell is exposed to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), mRNA from the homologous gene is selectively degraded by a process called RNA interference (RNAi). Here, we provide evidence that dsRNA is amplified in Caenorhabditis elegans to ensure a robust RNAi response. Our data suggest a model in which mRNA targeted by RNAi functions as a template for 5' to 3' synthesis of new dsRNA (termed transitive RNAi). Strikingly, the effect is nonautonomous: dsRNA targeted to a gene expressed in one cell type can lead to transitive RNAi-mediated silencing of a second gene expressed in a distinct cell type. These data suggest dsRNA synthesized in vivo can mediate systemic RNAi.
Alder
Matthew N
MN
Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112, USA.
Dames
Shale
S
Gaudet
Jeffrey
J
Mango
Susan E
SE
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D001483:Base Sequence; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000235:genetics*; D017931:DNA Primers; D020868:Gene Silencing; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D016297:Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics*
D017931:DNA Primers; D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D012313:RNA