High-throughput RNA interference in functional genomics.

RNA interference (RNAi) refers to post-transcriptional silencing of gene expression as a result of the introduction of double-stranded RNA into cells. The application of RNAi in experimental systems has significantly accelerated elucidation of gene functions. In order to facilitate large-scale functional genomics studies using RNAi, several high-throughput approaches have been developed based on microarray or microwell assays. The recent establishment of large libraries of RNAi reagents combined with a variety of detection assays has further improved the performance of functional genome-wide screens in mammalian cells.