2014/12/25

shRNA Used for Application in Gene Therapy

shRNA (full name is small hairpin RNA or short hairpin RNA) is a sequence of RNA with a tight hairpin turn that can be used to silence target gene expression by inducing RNA interference(RNAi ). shRNA is created in the cell from a DNA construct encoding a sequence of single stranded RNA and its complement, separated by a stuffer fragment, allowing the RNA molecule to fold back on itself, creating a dsRNA molecule with a hairpin loop.

shRNA has the ability to provide specific, long-lasting, gene silencing. Scientists ,therefore, have been considering about using it for gene therapy applications. Some shRNA-based therapies have already been put into trail now.

shRNA has been considered an advantageous mediator of RNAi because it has a relatively low rate of degradation and turnover. The disadvantage of using it lies in that its expression in cells needs the assistance of plasmids, viral or bacterial vectors, which may cause some safety concerns.

There are still many challenges in using shRNA expression. In the past, viral based gene therapy approaches have proved dangerous in clinical trials. Besides, If the shRNA is expressed at levels that are too high the cell might not be able to correctly process the endogenous RNA, which could cause significant problems. It is possible that the patient will generate an immune response against the therapy. And it is also probable that the shRNA could silence other unintended genes.

About RNA interference

RNAi is the best way to effectively knock down gene expression and study protein function in a wide range of cell types and it is a powerful genetic tool for conducting functional studies. This technique is usually mediated by the use of siRNAs or shRNAs. Previous studies have showed that vector-based shRNA expression strategy is capable of inducing RNAi in viable cells. And results have showed that using vectors to perform RNAi experiments can expand experimental possibilities beyond the traditional siRNA approach.

About Creative Biogene
Creative Biogene is a US based biotech product and service supplier for academic and governmental research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. The company provides a series of high quality shRNAs, which could be used for silencing target gene expression via RNA interference.


http://www.creative-biogene.com/Product/shRNA 

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