Mapping the Genotype–Phenotype Relationship in Cellular Signaling Networks: Building Bridges Over the Unknown - Systems Biology: Networks, Models, and Applications - page 148

Table 5.2 ( Continued )

Name Description Advantages Disadvantages References

Any protein or protein
domain can be labeled for use
as a probe, and the
preparation of the probes is a
relatively straightforward task.

RNA interference (RNAi) Relatively new technique to

Functions like a gene knockout, The precise mechanism

[29,47-51]

indicate the phenotypic but does not result in a underlying RNAi is not

function of a specific gene. hereditary functional yet well understood.

A double-stranded RNA gene loss.

Compensatory effects have not

(dsRNA) sequence that

Very specific. Sequence

yet been characterized.

corresponds to the gene similarity in excess of 80% is

of interest is synthesized. a proven requisite for gene

The dsRNA is introduced inactivation.

in vivo and disrupts the

Remarkably potent, i.e., only

function of the gene that a few dsRNA strands are

it encodes through normal required to cause interference.

cellular mechanisms.

Can act on cells and tissues
far removed from the
original introduction site.
RNAi has met with success
in a wide variety of organisms.