Short hairpin or small hairpin RNA (shRNA) is artificial RNA, which has a hairpin loop structure, and uses inherent microRNA (miRNA) machinery to silence target gene expression. This is called RNA interference (RNAi). These can be delivered via plasmids or viral/bacterial vectors. Challenges in shRNA-mediated gene silencing include: 1. Off-target silencing, 2. Packaging shRNA encoding lentivirus, and 3. Stable transduction in cells. RNAi have been designed to have anywhere from 19-27 bs, but the most effective design has 19 bp. In case commercial shRNAs are not available, potential target sites can be chosen within exon, 5’- or 3’ UTR, depending on which splice variants of the gene are desired. One should use the latest algorithms and choose at least two different sequences, targeting different regions, in order to have confidence in overcoming off-target effects. A BLAST search after selecting potential design will eliminate potential off-target sequences. For the second challenge, sequencing the vector using primers for either strand (50-100 bp upstream) is suggested, along with using enzymatic digestion on agarose gel for the vector. Next, once the shRNA-containing vector is packaged in a virus, it is important to check the viral titer before transduction. Finally, using a marker in the lentiviral vector (fluorescent protein or antibiotic resistance), along with qPCR for target gene expression can help in determining efficacy of transduction and shRNA on its target site.
Reporter gene assays enable high sensitivity measurement of gene expression and cell signaling through the addition of bioluminescent genes into target cells. One of the major challenges is to make a specific construct that has no responses other than those related to the signaling pathway of interest. This can be achieved by selecting highly specific reporter constructs containing only defined responsive elements and a minimal promoter linked to reporter enzymes such as luciferase
Reporter gene assays enable high sensitivity measurement of gene expression and cell signaling through the addition of bioluminescent genes into target cells. One of the major challenges is to make a specific construct that has no responses other than those related to the signaling pathway of interest. This can be achieved by selecting highly specific reporter constructs containing only defined responsive elements and a minimal promoter linked to reporter enzymes such as luciferase
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Hello, can someone here help me? I am trying to silence e-selectin and ICAM-1 in endothelial cells. I would like to know if this is possible using shRNA
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Reporter gene assays are designed to test the regulation of the expression of a gene of interest. This is usually done by linking the promoter of the gene of interest with a gene such as a firefly luciferase, which can be easily detected by addition of luciferin that leads to an enzymatic reaction to produce luminescence. The enzymatic reaction can be correlated to the expression of the gene of interest. Another luciferase gene that can be used is Renilla luciferase. For an appropriate luciferase assay: 1. the reporter should express uniformly in all cells, 2. specifically respond to effectors that the assay intends to monitor, 3. have low intrinsic stability to quickly reflect transcriptional dynamics. It is important to have an equal number of cells plated in each testing condition to avoid any incorrect readouts. Reporter assays could be single or dual reporter assays. The reporter could be both luciferases. Most dual-luciferase assays involve adding two reagents to each sample and measuring luminescence following each addition. Adding the first reagent activates the first luciferase reporter reaction; adding the second reagent extinguishes first luciferase reporter activity and initiates the second luciferase reaction. Dual-luciferase assays have some advantages, including 1. reduces variability, 2. reduces background, 3. normalizes differences in transfection efficiencies between samples.
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