RNA interference (RNAi)

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which RNA molecules are involved in sequence-specific suppression of gene expression by double-stranded RNA, through translational or transcriptional repression. The essence is that siRNA specifically binds and degrades the corresponding mRNA, thereby preventing mRNA translation ^[1]. Because of its exquisite specificity and efficiency, RNAi is considered an important tool not only for functional genomics but also for gene-specific therapeutic activities that target the mRNAs of disease-related genes ^[2].

Fig.1 Schematic diagram of RNA interference principle.

• siRNA Preparation
  The long double-stranded RNA is cut into tiny fragments by the action of an enzyme called Dicer. These fragments are called small interfering RNA or siRNAs.
  Methods include chemical synthesis, in vitro transcription, digestion of long double-stranded RNA with RNase III, siRNA expression vector, and siRNA expression cassettes.
• siRNA Transfection
  Through the RNA-induced silencing complex, the siRNAs pass. The duplex unwinds, activating the RNA.
  The siRNA binds to the Argonaute protein and removes one of the duplexes. The remaining strand binds to the mRNA target sequence.
  Argonaute proteins either split the mRNA or recruit other components to control the target sequence.
  Methods include transfection, electroporation, and viral vector.

• High specificity: it can only specifically degrade the mRNA of a single endogenous gene corresponding to its sequence.
• High efficiency: only a small amount of dsRNA is required.
• Transmissibility: the effects of gene expression can cross cell boundaries, and be transmitted and maintained over long distances between different cells and even organisms.

• Research of gene function: specific genes can be silenced.
• Treatment of viral diseases: it can effectively inhibit the replication of the virus and block the infection of cells by the virus.
• Treatment of genetic diseases: it can treat genetic diseases with defective or overexpressed expression.
• Treatment of tumor diseases: many RNA interferences targeting different genes have effectively inhibited the growth of tumor cells in vivo and in vitro, these target genes include: Bcl-2, survivin, EGFR, VEGF, etc.
• Application of plastic surgery: it can effectively inhibit the formation of keloid and inhibit the secretion of melanin to achieve the effect of skin whitening.
• Research of new drug: antisense RNA produced intracellularly by an expression vector may be developed and find utility as a novel therapeutic agent. ^[3]

Thermal Cyclers

Thermal Cycler is a laboratory apparatus that amplify segments of DNA using PCR. A thermal cycler is also commonly called a DNA Amplifier, PCR Machine, or Thermocycler. The cycle normally lowers or raises the block’s temperature in preprogrammed discrete steps. A thermal cycler is important for a laboratory dealing in molecular biology and gene cloning.

PCR Workstation / PCR Hood

A PCR workstation, also called a PCR hood, is a work space, enclosed on three sides, that provides a space for doing amplification of DNA and/or RNA. PCR hoods are used in biology and genetic labs so that there isn’t any cross contamination between samples. PCR workstations have no circulation, which helps to prevent contamination, and UV lights for sterilization.

PCR Consumables

PCR consumables generally involve pipettes, 100ul, 500ul and 1ml centrifuge tubes, 12 consecutive rows of tubes, and tube racks (96-well plates, etc.) for placing the centrifuge tubes. It is best to perform PCR experiments on ice, so you need to prepare an ice box. We use a wide variety of PCR consumables for you to choose from to meet your different needs.

Electroporation

Electroporation refers to the use of short high voltage pulses to overcome cell membrane barriers. Transient and reversible breakdown of the membrane can be induced by applying an external electric field, which just surpasses the capacitance of the cell membrane. Electroporation is now used to deliver a large variety of molecules: from ions to drugs, dyes, tracers, antibodies, oligonucleotides to RNA and DNA.

Laboratory Incubators

An incubator is a device used to grow and maintain microbiological cultures or cell cultures. It is made up of a chamber with a regulated temperature. An incubator maintains optimal temperature, humidity, and other conditions such as the CO2 and oxygen content of the atmosphere inside. Incubators are essential for much experimental work in cell biology, microbiology, and molecular biology.

Laboratory Hoods

A laboratory hood is a device designed to extract toxic vapours, gases or aerosols from the workplace when the products being handled emit them. It is also called a fume hood or fume extractor hood. We have a variety of laboratory hoods that can protect people from these toxic emissions during operation.

STEMart provides you with a variety of RNA interference (RNAi) equipment to meet your various R&D and application needs. If you have any questions or requirements for RNA interference (RNAi) equipment, please feel free to contact us.

References

• Han H. RNA Interference to Knock Down Gene Expression. Methods Mol Biol. 2018; 1706: 293-302. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7471-9_16. PMID: 29423805; PMCID: PMC6743327.
• Agrawal N, Dasaradhi PV, Mohmmed A, Malhotra P, Bhatnagar RK, Mukherjee SK. RNA interference: biology, mechanism, and applications. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev. 2003 Dec;67(4):657-85. DOI: 10.1128/MMBR.67.4.657-685.2003. PMID: 14665679; PMCID: PMC309050.
• Weiss B, Davidkova G, Zhou LW. Antisense RNA gene therapy for studying and modulating biological processes. Cell Mol Life Sci. 1999 Mar;55(3):334-58. DOI: 10.1007/s000180050296. PMID: 10228554.