SILENCE: a new forward genetic technology.

Silencing induced by long terminal repeat (LTR)-encoded cis-acting response element, termed SILENCE, is a forward genetic system that allows for conditional, epigenetic control of host-gene transcription. This new research tool is independent of gene mutation or disruption, does not require complementation, and conditional gene repression appears complete at the level of protein function. SILENCE functions in hypodiploid cells and is a platform technology with broad applications in gene discovery.