Dicer is essential for mouse development.

Journal:

Nat. Genet. 2003 Dec

Authors:

Bernstein E, Kim SY, Carmell MA, Murchison EP, Alcorn H, Li MZ, Mills AA, Elledge SJ, Anderson KV, Hannon GJ

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.

PMID: 14528307

Mesh Headings:

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