RNA Interference

With the rise and utility of RNA Interference (RNAi) as a useful tool for silencing and manipulating genes, there has been much interest in the specific applications of this technique to various animal models for disease. Because it is a natural phenomenon, RNAi is more robust than other RNA-based methods. However, RNAi pathways do not follow the same rules in different organisms, and therefore, specific information on RNAi methods is essential for each model organism studied. The aim of "RNA Interference (RNAi): Nuts & Bolts of RNAi Technology" by David Engelke and published by DNA Press (www.dnapress.net) is to serve as a guide for practical RNAi use in the laboratory. The book is short on general theory behind RNAi, except to furnish the bare minimum of background information for each chapter. However, the book is rich in specific protocols for the various methods that are described, including suppliers of reagents and advice on modifications and customizations of protocols. Chapters include protocols for RNAi in plants, Drosophila, C. elegans, mammalian systems, mice, and discussions of high-throughput RNAi as well as design, synthesis and preparation of synthetic RNAi. An added bonus each chapter contains an ample list of relevant literature references.

Joshua Marcy, www.genpromag.com