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Science 6 June 2003:
Vol. 300. no. 5625, pp. 1581 - 1584
DOI: 10.1126/science.1084737
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Reports

Programmed DNA Deletion As an RNA-Guided System of Genome Defense

Meng-Chao Yao,* Patrick Fuller, Xiaohui Xi

Genomewide DNA rearrangements occur in many eukaryotes during development, but their functions and mechanisms are poorly understood. Previous studies have implicated a sequence-recognition mechanism based on RNA-mediated interactions between nuclei in ciliated protozoa. In this study, we found that the process recognized and deleted a foreign gene integrated in a Tetrahymena chromosome, suggesting an unusual mechanism of genome surveillance. We further found that injection of double-stranded RNA into the cell at specific developmental stages triggers efficient deletion of the targeted genomic regions. Together the results indicate an RNA-based mechanism that directs genomewide DNA rearrangements and serves to disable invading genetic agents.

Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer ResearchCenter, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Post Office Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: mcyao{at}fhcrc.org

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)