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Updated: May 4, 2026

Rearing and Double-stranded RNA-mediated Gene Knockdown in the Hide Beetle, Dermestes maculatus
Published on: December 28, 2016
Stable RNA interference rules for silencing
Christof Fellmann1, Scott W Lowe2
1Mirimus Inc., 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA.
Abstract:
RNA interference has become an indispensable tool for loss-of-function studies across eukaryotes. By enabling stable and reversible gene silencing, shRNAs provide a means to study long-term phenotypes, perform pool-based forward genetic screens and examine the consequences of temporary target inhibition in vivo. However, efficient implementation in vertebrate systems has been hindered by technical difficulties affecting potency and specificity. Focusing on these issues, we analyse current strategies to obtain maximal knockdown with minimal off-target effects.
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