摘要
Short interfering RNA (siRNA) is widely used for studyingpost-transcriptional gene silencing and holds great promise as a tool for both identifying functionof novel genes and validating drug targets. Two siRNA fragments (siRNA-a and -b), which weredesigned against different specific areas of coding region of the same target green fluorescentprotein (GFP) gene, were used to silence GFP expression in cultured gfp transgenic cells of rice(Oryza sativa L.; OS), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.; GH), Eraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir;AF], and Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana Mill.; PV). Differential gene silencing was observed in thebombarded transgenic cells between two siRNAs, and these results were consistent with theinactivation of GFP confirmed by laser scanning microscopy, Northern blot, and siRNA analysis intested transgenic cell cultures. These data suggest that siRNA-mediated gene inactivation can be thesiRNA specific in different plant species. These results indicate that siRNA is a highly specifictool for targeted gene knockdown and for establishing siRNA-mediated gene silencing, which could bea reliable approach for large-scale screening of gene function and drug target validation.
Short interfering RNA (siRNA) is widely used for studyingpost-transcriptional gene silencing and holds great promise as a tool for both identifying functionof novel genes and validating drug targets. Two siRNA fragments (siRNA-a and -b), which weredesigned against different specific areas of coding region of the same target green fluorescentprotein (GFP) gene, were used to silence GFP expression in cultured gfp transgenic cells of rice(Oryza sativa L.; OS), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.; GH), Eraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir;AF], and Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana Mill.; PV). Differential gene silencing was observed in thebombarded transgenic cells between two siRNAs, and these results were consistent with theinactivation of GFP confirmed by laser scanning microscopy, Northern blot, and siRNA analysis intested transgenic cell cultures. These data suggest that siRNA-mediated gene inactivation can be thesiRNA specific in different plant species. These results indicate that siRNA is a highly specifictool for targeted gene knockdown and for establishing siRNA-mediated gene silencing, which could bea reliable approach for large-scale screening of gene function and drug target validation.
基金
This work was funded by the East Carolina Christmas Tree Program (2002).