RNA Interference Discovery
Genetics & Genomics
1998
Discoverers: Andrew Fire, Craig Mello
Overview
Demonstration that double-stranded RNA can silence gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans through a mechanism now called RNA interference (RNAi).
Significance
Unveiled a conserved biological mechanism for post-transcriptional gene regulation and provided a powerful laboratory tool for functional genomics.
Methodology
Injection of sense and antisense RNA strands into C. elegans, showing that only double-stranded RNA triggered potent and specific gene silencing.
Impact
- Created a standard tool for gene knockdown studies
- Led to RNAi-based therapeutics
- Awarded 2006 Nobel Prize