Methods for directing DNA methylation in mammalian cells using homologous short double stranded RNAs

Abstract

The invention provides methods for methylating a gene of interest in a cell. The methods include exposing a mammalian cell to an siRNA molecule which is specific for a gene of interest in the cell. The methods also include introducing into the cell DNA sequences encoding a sense strand and an antisense strand of an siRNA which is specific for the gene of interest. The siRNA directs methylation of the gene of interest.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.