siRNAs and shRNAs: skeleton keys to the human genome.
The use of RNA interference (RNAi) to evoke gene silencing in mammalian cell systems is rapidly becoming a standard laboratory technique. Recent experiments have also proven the utility of RNAi in animals. The next few years will bear witness to the first RNAi-based genome-wide screens in mammals, breaking the barrier to the use of mammalian cells as a genetic system. In this review, some of the key features of RNAi in mammalian systems are discussed.
Paddison
Patrick J
PJ
Watson School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, McClintock Building, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 1172, USA.
Hannon
Gregory J
GJ
D000818:Animals; D015894:Genome, Human; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D034622:RNA Interference; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering