search articles:     from the issue of January 25, 2007         Gene-silencing work may help fight viral, other diseases Recently published research from the UNL Plant Science Initiative expands understanding of RNA interference - a process that silences genes and holds promise in combating disease. A research team led by biologist Heriberto Cerutti identified a novel gene in the single-cell green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, that is required for RNA interference. The research builds on Cerutti's earlier work on transgene and transposon silencing and was published in the Dec. 22 issue of the international journal Science. In 2000, Cerutti's team published results of earlier research in Science. Both papers provided insights into regulatory mechanisms that could control or "silence" genes. "RNA interference (RNAi) is an important area of research and what we're trying to do is explain how this mechanism works in controlling the expression of endogenous genes (the organism's genes) as well as in the prevention of viral infections," said Cerutti, an associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences and in the Center for Biotechnology. "A better understanding of how cells express genes and cope with viral infections will have important biotechnological implications, particularly for genetic engineering in animal, plants or fungi." Cerutti's team uses the single-celled alga as a model system to study the molecular machinery responsible for gene silencing. The team can introduce foreign genes, called transgenes, into cells, characterize how they are repressed, and isolate genes affecting this process. Some of the newly identified genes also appear to be involved regulating endogenous gene expression and in antiviral responses. Cerutti said the major hurdles in utilizing RNAi gene silencing include figuring out how to deliver RNAi drugs to the right targets and how to avoid veering off-target and shutting down good genes or cellular processes. He said his team and others will continue to focus on these hurdles. Co-authors of the Science paper are graduate students Fadia Ibrahim and Jennifer Rohr, postdoctoral researcher Won-Joong Jeong and undergraduate student Jennifer Hesson. The National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health fund this research. GO TO: ISSUE OF JANUARY 25 NEWS HEADLINES FOR JANUARY 25 From the hand of Willa Cather Car fire results in flood for Hewit Place galleries Gallup, UNL form D.C.-based program Water leaks flood Oldfather Hall, Hewit Place African-American leaders summit Jan. 26 Enron whistleblower to speak Feb. 12 at Lied Center Gene-silencing work may help fight viral, other diseases Paper focuses on role of cysteines in proteins Partnership offers tax assistance for low-income families Regents propose 280-hour vacation time cap 732701S36614X