What is the Advantage of RNAi Compared to Other Methods of Silencing?
RNAi has rapidly become the preferred method for determining gene function, both in vitro and in vivo knockdown experiments. Previously, the most effective method to determine the effect of an individual gene or group of genes within a system, was by creating knockout and transgenic animals; a method that is based on the disruption of the coding sequences, within target genes. By introducing these modified genes into embryonic stem cells, animals carrying heterozygous and homozygous gene knockouts can be produced, and the effects of the gene alteration can be identified. While simple in theory, this system has many constraints, including the common production of embryonic lethal phenotypes, preventing many knockouts all together. This process is also incredibly expensive and time consuming, as it requires the successful growth and development of these transgenic animals to attain any positive results. Conversely, use of RNAi is a relatively inexpensive and rapid method to induce loss-o
