Improved methods for double-stranded RNA mediated gene silencing

摘要

The present invention is in the field of genetics, especially plant genetics, and provides agents capable of gene-specific silencing. The present invention specifically provides polycistronic RNA molecules capable to generate double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) agents, methods for utilizing such molecules and cells and organism, especially plants, containing such molecules. The polycistronic RNA molecules, compositions and methods of the invention can be used to enhance performance of agricultural relevant crops and for therapy, prophylaxis, research and diagnostics in diseases and disorders which afflict mammalian species, in which the goal is to reduce or inhibit the function of a selected target polynucleotide sequence. These compositions and methods have utility both in vitro and in vivo.