High-throughput screening using siRNA (RNAi) libraries

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) has become one of the most important research tools in functional genomics analysis ever since the discovery of the phenomenon. The robustness of the method has enabled construction of RNAi libraries in the forms of long double-stranded RNA or short-interfering RNA that can cover the whole or significant parts of the genomes of different organisms. Over the last few years, such libraries have been used in different high-throughput formats to establish functional links between genes and phenotypes. In this review, available RNAi library resources and application of these strategic tools will be discussed.

Keywords::

• high-content screening
• RNA interference
• high-throughput screening
• libraries
• RNAi
• siRNA

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the support by Special Fund for Promotion of Education from Ministry of Education of China (985 program of Peking University) and the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) project 2006AA02Z104.