Gene silencing in mammals by small interfering RNAs

Abstract
A new method for elucidating gene function in mammals was discovered in 2000; it uses small double-stranded RNAs to interfere with gene expression. An evolutionarily conserved pathway uses these small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to degrade mRNAs before translation. siRNAs are easily synthesized and used to silence genes in cell culture. Investigators are seizing the opportunity to use siRNA technology to silence their favourite genes. Recently, the successful use of siRNA in whole mice was reported. It has recently been shown that siRNAs can be effective antiviral agents in cell culture, raising hopes that siRNAs will represent the next generation of antiviral therapeutics. siRNAs can be expressed from DNA constructs and silencing cell lines can be made.