Silence from within: endogenous siRNAs and miRNAs.
Although eukaryotic cells use RNA silencing to defend against transposons and pathogens, they also employ these pathways to regulate the expression of their own genes. Recent results have uncovered new examples of RNA silencing in controlling endogenous gene expression and have revealed novel mechanisms of downregulation. Bioinformatic analyses indicate that target genes in vertebrate species may number in the thousands.
Sontheimer
Erik J
EJ
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA. erik@northwestern.edu
Carthew
Richard W
RW
D000818:Animals; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics*
D035683:MicroRNAs; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering