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Tracy Hampton, PhD

JAMA. 2008;299(11):1247-1248.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The complexity of cancer genetics, layered on top of the complexity of the human genome itself, creates a daunting task for researchers seeking to decipher the genetic factors involved in tumorigenesis and cancer development. But a relatively new laboratory technique may make the job easier by allowing investigators to efficiently screen for genes that are essential for cancer cells' survival (Silva JM et al. Science. 2008;319[5863]:617-620; Schlabach MR et al. Science. 2008;319[5863]:620-624).

The technique involves using a phenomenon called RNA interference to silence genes and assessing which genes, when muted, cause tumor cells to die.

RNA molecules called small hairpin RNAs can be designed to detect genes important for survival of cancer cells. The technology may help reveal targets for new anticancer drugs.

"We have a lot of cancer-related questions that we can use these tools to answer," said coauthor Gregory Hannon, PhD, of the . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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