DsRNA-induced mRNA degradation

Abstract

Expression of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) in Caenorhabditis elegans has been shown, under certain circumstances, to cause genetic interference. In plants, expression of RNA leads to phenotypic co-suppression. However, the use of dsRNA to manipulate microorganisms genetically is still in its infancy. Ngo and colleagues1xDouble stranded RNA induces mRNA degradation in Trypanosoma brucei. Ngo, H. et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 1999; 95: 14687–14692Crossref | Scopus (504)See all References1 have now used gene-specific dsRNA, either expressed in vivo or directly electroporated into Trypanosoma brucei cells, as a means to manipulate this important protozoan parasite. Constructs encoding dsRNA of 5′ untranslated regions of the α-tubulin gene give rise to cells with altered morphology and multi-nuclei. These cells are unable to undergo cytokinesis and eventually die. The dsRNA specifically induces degradation of mature α-tubulin mRNA but the exact mechanism of degradation is unknown. Development of an inducible system that can be regulated will allow better control over expression and allow the analysis of phenotypes which might otherwise be lethal if dsRNA expression was constitutive. Furthermore, these studies open the possibility of using dsRNA as a tool for genetic manipulation of other microorganisms.