Short interfering RNA-mediated gene targeting in the zebrafish.
Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have proved to be a useful tool in studying gene function in plants, invertebrates and mammalian systems. Here we report the use of siRNAs for targeting the zebrafish dystrophin gene. This study demonstrates the efficacy of siRNA-based gene silencing in this vertebrate model species, and illustrates the potential of this approach for determining the roles of multiple protein products expressed by a single gene during the early stages of development. In addition this study illustrates the usefulness of zebrafish as a model for muscle disease, and highlights the potential of siRNA-based gene targeting for disease analysis in this model organism.
Dodd
Andrew
A
Molecular Genetics and Development Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
Chambers
Stephen P
SP
Love
Donald R
DR
D000818:Animals; D016189:Dystrophin / Q000235:genetics*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects; D020868:Gene Silencing / Q000187:drug effects*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008722:Methods; D023421:Models, Animal; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015027:Zebrafish / Q000235:genetics
D016189:Dystrophin; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering