<p>The vertebrate genome contains a predicted 50 000 100 000 genes, many of unknown
function. The recent development of morpholino-based gene knock-down technology
in zebrafish has opened the door to the genome-wide assignment of function based
on sequence in a model vertebrate. This review describes technical aspects of
morpholino use for functional genomics applications, including the potential for
multigene targeting and known methodological limitations. The result of
successful gene inactivation by this agent is proposed to yield embryos with a
‘morphant’ phenotypic designation. The establishment of a morphant database
opens the door to true functional genomics using the vertebrate, <italic>Danio
rerio</italic>.</p>
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Yeast. 2006 Apr 25; 17(4):302-306