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 LIVE/DEAD™ Fixable Near-IR Dead Cell Stain Kit, for 633 or 635 nm excitation to perform Live / Dead assay mammalian cells - rat testicular tissue
Get tips on using CelLytic™ M to perform Protein isolation Mammalian cells - HaCaT
Get tips on using CelLytic™ M to perform Protein isolation Mammalian cells - HepG2
Get tips on using CelLytic™ M to perform Protein isolation Mammalian cells - Huh7
Get tips on using CelLytic™ M to perform Protein isolation Mammalian cells - HEK293T
Get tips on using ISOGEN to perform RNA isolation / purification Cells - immortalized CHO
Get tips on using CelLytic™ M to perform Protein isolation Mammalian cells - Caco-2
Get tips on using CelLytic™ M to perform Protein isolation Mammalian cells - SH-SY5Y
Get tips on using CelLytic™ M to perform Protein isolation Mammalian cells - BHK-21
Fill out your contact details and receive price quotes in your Inbox
Outsource experiment