Genetic Requirements for Inheritance of RNAi in C. elegans

作者：Alla Grishok, Hiroaki Tabara, Craig C. Mello · 发表于：Science · 年份：2000 · DOI：10.1126/science.287.5462.2494 · 被引用次数：459 · 研究领域：CRISPR and Genetic Engineering、Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms、Insect Resistance and Genetics

In Caenorhabditis elegans, the introduction of double-stranded RNA triggers sequence-specific genetic interference (RNAi) that is transmitted to offspring. The inheritance properties associated with this phenomenon were examined. Transmission of the interference effect occurred through a dominant extragenic agent. The wild-type activities of the RNAi pathway genes rde-1 and rde-4 were required for the formation of this interfering agent but were not needed for interference thereafter. In contrast, the rde-2 and mut-7 genes were required downstream for interference. These findings provide evidence for germ line transmission of an extragenic sequence-specific silencing factor and implicate rde-1 and rde-4 in the formation of the inherited agent.