"Specific Interference with Gene Function by Double-Stranded RNA in Early Mouse Development."

Wianny F, and Zernicka-Goetz M

Wellcome/CRC Institute and Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.

The use of double-stranded (ds) RNA is a powerful way of interfering with gene expression in a range of organisms, but doubts have been raised about whether it could be successful in mammals. Here, we show that dsRNA is effective as a specific inhibitor of the function of three genes in the mouse, namely maternally expressed c-mos in the oocyte and zygotically expressed E-cadherin or a GFP transgene in the preimplantation embryo. The phenotypes observed are the same as those reported for null mutants of the endogenous genes. These findings offer the opportunity to study development and gene regulation in normal and diseased cells.

Additional References:

Frenster JH, "Oncogenes as Molecular Targets within Active Chromatin".

Frenster JH, "Selective Gene De-Repression by De-Repressor RNA".