Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) in Caenorhabditis elegans induced by ingestion or injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) spreads throughout the organism and is even transmitted to the progeny. We have identified two proteins required for spreading of RNAi, SID-1 and SID-2, whose structure, subcellular localization, and expression pattern have been informative for how dsRNA can be transported into and between cells. SID-1 is a transmembrane protein that functions as a pore or channel that transports dsRNA into and out of cells. Proteins homologous to SID-1 are present in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate animals but are absent from plants. SID-2 is a small transmembrane protein that is expressed in the gut and localizes strongly to the luminal membrane where it appears to act as a receptor for uptake of dsRNA from the environment. Characterization of SID-2 activity in a variety of Caenorhabditis nematodes indicates that C. elegans SID-2 may have a novel activity.

Keywords

Caenorhabditis elegansRNA interferenceRNA silencingBiologyCell biologyTransmembrane proteinRNAModel organismGeneticsReceptorGene

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Year
2006
Type
review
Volume
71
Issue
0
Pages
95-100
Citations
75
Access
Closed

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Craig P. Hunter, William M. Winston, Christina Molodowitch et al. (2006). Systemic RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans. Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology , 71 (0) , 95-100. https://doi.org/10.1101/sqb.2006.71.060

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DOI
10.1101/sqb.2006.71.060