RNA Interference in Mammalian Systems - A Practical Approach

RNAi-related mechanisms are evolutionarily conserved and are a tool for cells to defend against foreign nucleic acid invasion and thus genomic instability in the cell. Double-stranded RNA is relatively easy to produce in vitro and, its introduction generates knockout phenotypes without the need to interfere at the DNA level. Thus, the discovery of RNAi has greatly contributed to research by providing a new genetic tool. This chapter presents the comparative view on the RNAi-releated techniques and discusses their practical applications in different mammalian experimental systems, including their therapeutic potential.