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RNA interference: genetic wand and genetic watchdog

Nature Cell Biology volume 2, pages E31–E36 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

In many species, introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) induces potent and specific gene silencing, a phenomenon called RNA interference or RNAi. The apparently widespread nature of RNAi in eukaryotes, ranging from trypanosome to mouse, has sparked great interest from both applied and fundamental standpoints. Here we review the technical improvements being made to increase the experimental potential of this technique. We also discuss recent advances in uncovering the proteins that act during the RNAi process, discoveries that have revealed enticing links between transposition, transgene silencing and RNAi.

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Figure 1: Two strategies for delivery in C. elegans.
Figure 2: A model for RNAi/PTGS/quelling.

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Acknowledgements

We thank M. Driscoll, S. Mango, C. Mello, R. Plasterk and H. Vaucheret for sharing preprints; T. Evans, A. Fire, P. Gönczy, T. Hyman, K. Kemphues, J. Rothman and A. Sugimoto for unpublished information; H. Vaucheret for useful discussions; and U. Strahle, N. Skaer and members of the M.L. laboratory for useful comments about the manuscript. J.M.B. is currently supported by a fellowship from the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale. Our work is supported by the CNRS, INSERM, Hôpital Universitaire de Strasbourg and grants from the Association pour la Recherche sur le Cancer and the EEC.

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  1. Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, BP163, Illkirch, 67404, Cedex, France

    Julia M. Bosher & Michel Labouesse

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Correspondence to Michel Labouesse.

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Bosher, J., Labouesse, M. RNA interference: genetic wand and genetic watchdog. Nat Cell Biol 2, E31–E36 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/35000102

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