Genome-Wide Screening by Using Small-Interfering RNA-Expression Libraries

RNA interference (RNAi) is an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon in which gene expression is silenced by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in a sequence-specific manner. This technology has the potential to affect all aspects of target discovery and validation. With the completion of the human genome, it is now possible to design small-interfering RNA (siRNA) libraries targeting every human gene. Specific siRNAs, libraries containing a pathway, gene family, or gene set of interest, are expected to unsecure new targets in pathways of therapeutic interest. Here, we highlight the potential of siRNA screens for target identification by using cell-based assays.