Dicer is essential for mouse development

Nat Genet. 2003 Nov;35(3):215-7. doi: 10.1038/ng1253. Epub 2003 Oct 5.

Abstract

To address the biological function of RNA interference (RNAi)-related pathways in mammals, we disrupted the gene Dicer1 in mice. Loss of Dicer1 lead to lethality early in development, with Dicer1-null embryos depleted of stem cells. Coupled with our inability to generate viable Dicer1-null embryonic stem (ES) cells, this suggests a role for Dicer, and, by implication, the RNAi machinery, in maintaining the stem cell population during early mouse development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases
  • Embryonic and Fetal Development / physiology*
  • Endoribonucleases / genetics
  • Endoribonucleases / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • RNA Helicases / genetics
  • RNA Helicases / physiology*
  • RNA Interference
  • Ribonuclease III
  • Stem Cells / cytology

Substances

  • Endoribonucleases
  • DICER1 protein, human
  • Ribonuclease III
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases
  • RNA Helicases