RNAi experiments in mouse oocytes and early embryos.
The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) in 1998 ushered in a new era in biology. RNAi currently serves as a favorite approach for inhibition of gene function in many areas of research. This article provides a brief review of RNAi and discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of using long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. We also provide an introduction to protocols for RNAi experiments in mouse, including preparation and microinjection of dsRNA into mouse oocytes and early embryos, and preparation and testing of constructs for transgenic RNAi based on long hairpin RNA expression.
Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic. svobodap@img.cas.cz
Petr
P
Svoboda
Paula
P
Stein
D000818:Animals; D015509:Developmental Biology / Q000379:methods*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology*; D020868:Gene Silencing; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D034622:RNA Interference; D019076:Transgenes