In the short time since its elucidation, RNA interference (RNAi) has quickly emerged as the premier tool in which to study gene function. RNAi provides a simple and predictable yet extremely powerful and specific method in which to knock down gene expression in virtually any cell type or whole organism. The major advance in RNAi technology, particularly for mammalian systems, came with the disc...

Genetic screens, where the effects of modifying gene function on cell behaviour are assessed in a systematic fashion, have for some time provided useful information to those interested in disease pathogenesis and treatment. Genetic screens exploiting the phenomenon of RNA interference (RNAi) are now becoming commonplace. This article explains the different RNAi screen formats and describes some...

Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of wild and domestic animals and humans, and are considered to be second worldwide to mosquitoes as vectors of human diseases(1) and the most important vectors affecting cattle industry worldwide(2). Ticks are classified in the subclass Acari, order Parasitiformes, suborder Ixodida and are distributed worldwide from Arctic to tropical regions(3). D...

Over the last few years, RNA Interference (RNAi), a naturally occurring mechanism of gene regulation conserved in plant and mammalian cells, has opened numerous novel opportunities for basic research across the field of biology. While RNAi has helped accelerate discovery and understanding of gene functions, it also has great potential as a therapeutic and potentially prophylactic modality. Chal...

Bang and Ellerman, and later Peyton Rous, reported the first identification of transmissible cancer-causing agents, which later turned out to be avian retroviruses. Today avian retroviruses are important models for study of retrovirus replication and pathogenesis, and also important pathogens of domestic fowl. Here we describe the use of RNA interference (RNAi) in live chick embryos to block re...