title: Stable RNA interference rules for silencing.
abstract: RNA interference has become an indispensable tool for loss-of-function studies across eukaryotes. By enabling stable and reversible gene silencing, shRNAs provide a means to study long-term phenotypes, perform pool-based forward genetic screens and examine the consequences of temporary target inhibition in vivo. However, efficient implementation in vertebrate systems has been hindered by technical difficulties affecting potency and specificity. Focusing on these issues, we analyse current strategies to obtain maximal knockdown with minimal off-target effects.
authors.affiliation: Mirimus Inc., 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA.
authors.forename: Christof
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fellmann
authors.affiliation: Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 415 East 68th Street, New York, New York 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Scott W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Lowe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D034741:RNA, Small Interfering