siRNA / RNAi /miRNA transfection Human Cells KG-1

As autophagy is a multi-step process which includes not just the formation of autophagosomes, but most importantly, flux through the entire system, including the degradation upon fusion with lysosomes, which makes it quite challenging for detection. There are several methods for detection in mammalian cells, including immunoblotting analysis of LC3 and p62 and detection of autophagosome formation/maturation by fluorescence microscopy, Currently, there is no single “gold standard” for determining the autophagic activity that is applicable in every experimental context, hence it is recommended to go for the combined use of multiple methods to accurately assess the autophagic activity in any given biological setting.

Microarrays enable researchers to monitor the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously. However, the sensitivity, accuracy, specificity, and reproducibility are major challenges for this technology. Cross-hybridization, combination with splice variants, is a prime source for the discrepancies in differential gene expression calls among various microarray platforms. Removing (either from production or downstream bioinformatic analysis) and/or redesigning the microarray probes prone to cross-hybridization is a reasonable strategy to increase the hybridization specificity and hence, the accuracy of the microarray measurements.

Get tips on using LAMP-1 Antibody (H4A3) to perform Autophagy assay cell type - Proximal tubular cells (rPT)

Get tips on using MrNV-pGEX-6P-1 to perform Protein Expression Prokaryotic cells - E. coli MrNV capsid

Get tips on using pIRES2-EGFP-PBD-1 to perform Protein Expression Prokaryotic cells - E. coli PBD1-EGFP

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.

Get tips on using mirVana™ miRNA Isolation Kit, with phenol to perform RNA isolation / purification Cells - immortalized Sf9

Get tips on using mirVana™ miRNA Isolation Kit, with phenol to perform RNA isolation / purification Cells - immortalized U87

Get tips on using mirVana™ miRNA Isolation Kit, with phenol to perform RNA isolation / purification Cells - immortalized T98G

Get tips on using mirVana™ miRNA Isolation Kit, with phenol to perform RNA isolation / purification Cells - immortalized T84