Functional genomic analysis of RNA interference in C. elegans

Science. 2005 May 20;308(5725):1164-7. doi: 10.1126/science.1109267. Epub 2005 Mar 24.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) of target genes is triggered by double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) processed by conserved nucleases and accessory factors. To identify the genetic components required for RNAi, we performed a genome-wide screen using an engineered RNAi sensor strain of Caenorhabditis elegans. The RNAi screen identified 90 genes. These included Piwi/PAZ proteins, DEAH helicases, RNA binding/processing factors, chromatin-associated factors, DNA recombination proteins, nuclear import/export factors, and 11 known components of the RNAi machinery. We demonstrate that some of these genes are also required for germline and somatic transgene silencing. Moreover, the physical interactions among these potential RNAi factors suggest links to other RNA-dependent gene regulatory pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / chemistry
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Library
  • Gene Silencing
  • Genes, Helminth*
  • Genome*
  • Genomics
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / genetics
  • RNA, Helminth / genetics
  • Transgenes

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • RNA Precursors
  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • RNA, Helminth