RNAi Technology
Introduction
RNA interference (RNAi) is the silencing of gene expression, triggered by the presence of double-stranded RNA homologous to
portions of the gene (HHMI). Soon after its
discovery, RNAi technology has become a well-accepted tool in gene function studies and will have great impacts on both basic
and medical research.
To date, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been produced mainly by chemical synthesis. The high cost on the use of
synthetic siRNA duplexes, which need to be repeatedly ordered, prevents it from being used as a general means in many research
labs. Besides, synthetic siRNA duplexes have low transfection efficiency. They are unstable and will be quickly degraded before
reaching their mRNA targets.
In order to promote a wider use of this powerful technology, LBL scientists have developed cutting-edge RNAi technology platforms,
which will substantially reduce your costs while maximize your strength in gene function analysis.
To learn more about RNAi technology in general, go to our RNAi Resource.
RNAi Combination Toolbox™
Vector-based RNAi expression systems have several advantages over the use of synthetic siRNA duplexes:
First of all, to prepare
a plasmid-based vector construct is a one-time investment. Once being validated, it becomes an unlimited resource with low costs
on amplification and maintenance. In particular, DNA vectors are stable and easy to handle. Transfection with plasmid DNA on
eukaryotic cells is a familiar technique in many research labs. Moreover, a vector carrying selection marker allows you to establish
stable cell lines with long-term gene silencing effect.
Through innovation, LBL scientists have developed a novel RNAi Combination Toolbox™, which is the first of this kind in
RNAi technology field to allow you:
- Express your cDNA of interest;
- Prepare your own shRNA/miRNA hairpins by in vitro transcription at low costs;
- Express shRNA/miRNA in the cells by conventional DNA transfection;
- Create multiple RNAi expression cassettes on a single vector;
- Express both RNAi and rescue cDNA from a single vector;
- Express either shRNA or miRNA from the same vector;
- Generate stable cell lines for your shRNA/miRNA and cDNA of interest;
- Convert your DNA hairpin from a plasmid vector to a viral vector with simple steps of DNA subcloning.
Among RNAi Combination Toolbox™ vectors, multiple cloning sites are fully compatible. Once
a cDNA or DNA hairpin is cloned, it can be easily moved from one vector to another by simple steps of DNA subcloning without
re-design of your PCR primers or DNA hairpin oligos.
RNAlysis™ RNAi Target Selection Protocol
The efficiency of gene silencing by RNAi technology relies on a rational RNAi target design algorithm.
In LBL, we have developed an RNAi target selection protocol, named RNAlysis™, which involves an automated computerized DNA
sequence searching engine and a multiple alignment program that can substantially reduce off-target effects.
Learn more on how it works...
