RNAi May Be Universal

RNAi has now been shown to occur in many animals, including mice, and even in human cells.

Under natural conditions, RNAi can protect the genome from some viruses and from mobile genes called “jumping genes.”

RNAi is important for regulating gene expression. In particular, it guides embryo development by turning down specific genes at critical times.

For researchers, RNAi is an exciting new tool for probing how genes work and potentially for treating disease.