title: RNAi in Haemonchus contortus: a potential method for target validation.
abstract: RNA interference (RNAi) is a method for the functional analysis of specific genes, and is particularly well developed in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. There have been several attempts to apply this method to parasitic nematodes. In a recent study undertaken in Haemonchus contortus, Geldhof and colleagues concluded that, although a mechanism for RNAi existed, the methods developed for RNAi in C. elegans had variable efficacy in this parasitic nematode. The potential benefits of RNAi are clear; however, further studies are required to characterize the mechanism present in parasitic nematodes, and to improve culture systems for these nematodes to monitor the long-term effects of RNAi. Only then could RNAi become a reliable assay of gene function.
authors.affiliation: Animal Genetics and Genomics Platform, Department of Primary Industries Victoria, Attwood, Victoria 3049, Australia. jody.zawadzki@dpi.vic.gov.au
authors.forename: Jody L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Zawadzki
authors.forename: Paul J A
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Presidente
authors.forename: Els N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Meeusen
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: De Veer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018390:Gene Targeting / Q000379:methods*; D017238:Genes, Helminth; D006189:Haemonchus / Q000235:genetics*; D034622:RNA Interference; D018510:RNA, Helminth / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018510:RNA, Helminth