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NKI III
RNA interference in mammalian cells
The use of RNA interference in mammalian cells to identify
loss-of-function phenotypes is possible using short double-stranded RNA
molecules (siRNAs), which are limited by the transient inhibition of
gene expression and their high cost. We have developed expression
vectors that direct the synthesis of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) which
are processed in vivo to siRNA-like molecules that can suppress gene
expression over prolonged periods of time. We have constructed large
sets of retroviral vectors which target thousands of genes for
suppression. These RNA interference libraries are applied in cell-based
functional screens in order to unravel molecular pathways associated
with cancer, which can lead to the identification of novel drug targets
in disease.