Therapeutic RNAi Development: Targeted siRNA, qPCR Assays

RNAi (RNA Interference) technology has become a main experimental tool in gene expression and loss of function research studies. Although a relatively new technology, RNAi development has greatly improved the efficiency, specificity, and speed at which gene functions can be analyzed. In mammalian cells, RNAi can be used to reduce the expression of specific genes in a sequence-specific manner. RNA interference is an intracellular mechanism of highly selective small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules employed by RISC complex to cleave target mRNA and induce post-transcriptional gene silencing. RNA interference precursors include small interfering RNA (siRNA), small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and microRNA (miRNA). When introduced by cell transfection in vitro and in vivo, siRNA results in effective silencing of exogenous and endogenous genes in mammalian cells and tissues. This technology have great therapeutic potential for novel drug discovery. A number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are investigating the possible use of siRNA-based molecules for inducing RNAi in vivo (its use in animal models), and in RNAi-based therapeutics.

Small RNA molecules (including siRNA, shRNA, and miRNA) are capable of targeting multiple misregulated cellular processes therefore RNA interference therapeutics can be used to treat any disease associated with misregulation (usually overexpression) of specific genes. Multiple literature reports address potential application of RNAi to target genes involved in such diseases as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and a number of inflammatory and virally-associated diseases.

However, there are a number of technical difficulties associated with inefficient siRNA delivery and short siRNA stability time in vivo, therefore reduced biostability of unmodified RNA must be overcome. Stable and functional RNA molecules usually require chemical modifications and carrier molecule encapsulation (liposome-, lipid-, polymer-, etc) in combination with extensive experimental testing to ensure functional effect, stability, and lack of off-target events. Therefore, our research is focused on the development of efficient in vivo reagents and RNA Interference delivery technologies. Efficient and organ-specific delivery of synthetic oligonucleotide molecules is currently a key limiting step to enable siRNA- and microRNA-based therapeutic approaches.

Our expertise in RNA interference has enabled us to provide complete A-to-Z gene silencing services and associated analytical assays, including qRT-PCR mRNA expression, Western Blot protein expression, functional cell-based assays, long-term RNA stability testing in vitro and in vivo, multiple RNA and DNA modifications (LNA, PNA), chemical modifications (2'Ome), incorporation of dyes, and much more.

At Altogen Labs, we recognize that providing fast delivery of products and services is critical to expediting research. We are committed to our clients' timely needs while maintaining high quality and integrity. All of our services undergo rigorous QC procedures.

Once we know the details of your project, we can provide you an immediate price quote (contact e-mail: info@altogenlabs.com or call Altogen Labs technical support: 512-433-6177). Please note that experimental details will help us to provide an accurate quote and timeline estimate.

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