When generating a complete gene knock-out through genome editing proves lethal or triggers unfavourable compensatory mechanisms, a more controlled way to modulate the function of a gene of interest (GOI) can be achieved using RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi leverages the endogenous RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and Argonaute (Ago) endonuclease to drive sequence-specific degradation of target mRNA, guided by small exogenously introduced RNAs. We can achieve knock-down of a GOI using either small interfering RNAs (siRNA) or small hairpin RNAs (shRNA). siRNAs enable a rapid and reversible transient reduction in gene expression, while shRNAs are suitable for lentiviral cloning, allowing stable or inducible integration into the host genome and providing longer-term knock-down while minimizing transient overexpression effects.
o2h team can:
- Design siRNAs and shRNAs
- Perform transient or stable gene knock-down using lentiviral cloning
- Determine phenotype of knock-down cells with a choice of redouts (including gene-reporters, immuno-assays, imaging analysis)
- Validate targets and their engagement with small molecules
To know more about our biology services offering or to request our brochure, please reach out to us at discovery@o2h.com.
