Role of Double-Stranded RNA in Eukaryotic Gene Silencing

Data on RNA interference, that is, posttranscriptional gene silencing by homologous double-stranded (ds) RNA, are reviewed. Gene silencing caused by exogenous dsRNA in artificial systems and observed in transgenic organisms carrying additional gene copies is considered. Data are summarized on the mechanism that arose during evolution of the Drosophila melanogaster genome to suppress repetitive genes with the use of dsRNA and thereby to prevent male sterility. The role of dsRNA in inhibiting expression and transposition of mobile elements is discussed on the basis of authors' own and published findings.