[The new technology for controlling gene function in zebrafish]

The technology for the control of gene function is necessary not only to study development, but also to study pharmacology and to invent new medicines. Morpholino oligo blocks mRNA translation and, as a result, inhibits gene function, mimicking the mutation of the gene. As the method is quite simple and effective, morpholino oligo has been an essential tool in developmental biology. Caged RNA is an innovative technology evolved in Japan. Caged RNA is reduced in translational activity, whereas illumination of caged RNA with ultraviolet light leads to recovery of translational activity. Using caged RNA, we will be able to activate the translation of any gene at any time and in any cell(s) we want.