The RNA interference revolution
Braz. j. med. biol. res
;
38(12): 1749-1757, Dec. 2005. ilus
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-417185
RESUMO
The discovery of double-stranded RNA-mediated gene silencing has rapidly led to its use as a method of choice for blocking a gene, and has turned it into one of the most discussed topics in cell biology. Although still in its infancy, the field of RNA interference has already produced a vast array of results, mainly in Caenorhabditis elegans, but recently also in mammalian systems. Micro-RNAs are short hairpins of RNA capable of blocking translation, which are transcribed from genomic DNA and are implicated in several aspects from development to cell signaling. The present review discusses the main methods used for gene silencing in cell culture and animal models, including the selection of target sequences, delivery methods and strategies for a successful silencing. Expected developments are briefly discussed, ranging from reverse genetics to therapeutics. Thus, the development of the new paradigm of RNA-mediated gene silencing has produced two important advances knowledge of a basic cellular mechanism present in the majority of eukaryotic cells and access to a potent and specific new method for gene silencing.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
RNA, Double-Stranded
/
Caenorhabditis elegans
/
RNA, Small Interfering
/
RNA Interference
Limits:
Animals
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. j. med. biol. res
Journal subject:
Biology
/
Medicine
Year:
2005
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Federal do Rio Grande do Sul/BR
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