Gene knockout

Gene knockdown is a technique used in genetic research to study the function of a particular gene. This is achieved by reducing the activity of a specific gene, thereby allowing researchers to observe any changes that may occur as a result.

Overview

Gene knockdown is often achieved through the use of RNA interference (RNAi), a biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression. This is done by destroying specific mRNA molecules, thereby preventing the production of specific proteins. Other methods of gene knockdown include the use of antisense oligonucleotides and morpholinos, which bind to mRNA and prevent it from being translated into protein.

Applications

Gene knockdown is used in a variety of research applications. It is often used in functional genomics to study the role of specific genes in biological processes. It can also be used in drug discovery to identify potential targets for new drugs. In addition, gene knockdown can be used in cancer research to study the role of specific genes in the development and progression of cancer.

Limitations

While gene knockdown is a powerful tool for studying gene function, it does have some limitations. For example, it may not completely eliminate the activity of a gene, making it difficult to observe the full effects of gene loss. In addition, some genes may have redundant functions, meaning that the loss of one gene may be compensated for by the activity of another gene.

See also

• Gene knockout
• RNA interference
• Functional genomics
• Antisense oligonucleotides
• Morpholinos