ABSTRACT
Reverse genetics in mammals has primarily relied on targeted gene mutations by homologous recombination. Although highly effective, its application in general biological studies has been hampered by its high cost, high complexity, lengthy process, and limitation to the mouse. Recently, transgenic RNAi has been demonstrated to silence genes and elicit phenotypes of gene dysfunction in vivo, indicating that it can be an alternative method for reverse genetics in mice and other mammalian species. Here, we review the progress and future challenges in improving and applying this approach.
