scholarly journals Chemical strategies for strand selection in short-interfering RNAs

RSC Advances ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 2415-2426
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Varley ◽  
Jean-Paul Desaulniers
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Rnai Pathway ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Chemical Strategies

Therapeutic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are double stranded RNAs capable of potent and specific gene silencing through activation of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway.

scholarly journals RNA interference as a gene silencing tool to controlTuta absolutain tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto A. Camargo ◽  
Guilherme O. Barbosa ◽  
Isabella Presotto Possignolo ◽  
Lazaro E. P. Peres ◽  
Eric Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Target Gene ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Larval Mortality ◽  
Tuta Absoluta ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Gene Transcript ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
In Planta

RNA interference (RNAi), a gene-silencing mechanism that involves providing double-stranded RNA molecules that match a specific target gene sequence, is now widely used in functional genetic studies. The potential application of RNAi-mediated control of agricultural insect pests has rapidly become evident. The production of transgenic plants expressing dsRNA molecules that target essential insect genes could provide a means of specific gene silencing in larvae that feed on these plants, resulting in larval phenotypes that range from loss of appetite to death. In this report, we show that the tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), a major threat to commercial tomato production, can be targeted by RNAi. We selected two target genes (Vacuolar ATPase-AandArginine kinase) based on the RNAi response reported for these genes in other pest species. In view of the lack of an artificial diet forT. absoluta, we used two approaches to deliver dsRNA into tomato leaflets. The first approach was based on the uptake of dsRNA by leaflets and the second was based on “in planta-induced transient gene silencing” (PITGS), a well-established method for silencing plant genes, used here for the first time to deliverin planta-transcribed dsRNA to target insect genes.Tuta absolutalarvae that fed on leaves containing dsRNA of the target genes showed an ∼60% reduction in target gene transcript accumulation, an increase in larval mortality and less leaf damage. We then generated transgenic ‘Micro-Tom’ tomato plants that expressed hairpin sequences for both genes and observed a reduction in foliar damage byT. absolutain these plants. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of RNAi as an alternative method for controlling this critical tomato pest.

scholarly journals A genome-wide screening for RNAi pathway proteins in Acari

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice T Nganso ◽  
Noa Sela ◽  
Victoria Soroker
Keyword(s):  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Micro Rna ◽  
Rnai Pathway ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Conserved Sequence ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Systemic Rnai ◽  
Amplification Mechanism

Abstract Background RNA interference (RNAi) is a highly conserved, sequence-specific gene silencing mechanism present in Eukaryotes. Three RNAi pathways critical for organismal development and survival are known, namely micro-RNA (miRNA), Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) and short interfering RNA (siRNA) pathways. Little knowledge exist about the genes involved in these pathways in Acari. Moreover, variable successes has been obtained in gene knockdown via siRNA pathway in functional genomics and management of Acari species. We hypothesized that the clue may be in the variability in the composition and the efficacy of siRNAi machinery among Acari. Results Both comparative genomic analyses and domain annotation suggest that all the analyzed species have orthologs of genes that mediate gene silencing via the three RNAi pathways though gene duplication and/or loss have occurred in the different species. We also identified orthologs of Caenorhabditis elegans RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene in all Acari species though no secondary Argonaute homologs that operate with this gene in siRNA amplification mechanism were found. This finding suggests that the siRNA amplification mechanism present in Acari may be distinct from that described in C. elegans . Moreover, the genomes of these Acari species encode no ortholog of C. elegans systemic RNAi defective 1 (Sid-1) that mediate systemic RNAi, suggesting that the phenomena of systemic and parental RNAi that has been reported in some Acari species probably occur through a different mechanism. Orthologs of RNAi spreading defective-3 (Rsd-3) gene and scavenger receptors namely Eater and SR-CI that mediate endocytosis cellular update of dsRNA in C. elegans and Drosophila melanogaster were found in Acari genomes. This result suggests that cellular dsRNA uptake in Acari is endocytosis-dependent. Detailed phylogenetic analyses of core RNAi pathway genes in the studied Acari species revealed that their evolution is compatible with the proposed monophyletic evolution of this group. Conclusions Taken together, our in silico comparative analyses have revealed the potential activity of all three pathways in Acari. However, much experimental work remains to be done in elucidating the operating mechanisms behind these pathways in particular those that govern systemic/parental RNAi and siRNA amplification in Acari.

scholarly journals RNA interference as a gene silencing tool to control Tuta absoluta in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto A Camargo ◽  
Guilherme O Barbosa ◽  
Isabella Presotto Possignolo ◽  
Lazaro E. P. Peres ◽  
Eric Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Target Gene ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Larval Mortality ◽  
Tuta Absoluta ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Gene Transcript ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
In Planta

RNA interference (RNAi), a gene-silencing mechanism that involves providing double-stranded RNA molecules that match a specific target gene sequence, is now widely used in functional genetic studies. The potential application of RNAi-mediated control of agricultural insect pests has rapidly become evident. The production of transgenic plants expressing dsRNA molecules that target essential insect genes could provide a means of specific gene silencing in larvae that feed on these plants, resulting in larval phenotypes that range from loss of appetite to death. In this report, we show that the tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), a major threat to commercial tomato production, can be targeted by RNAi. We selected two target genes [Vacuolar ATPase-A and Arginine kinase] based on the RNAi response reported for these genes in other pest species. In view of the lack of an artificial diet for T. absoluta, we used two approaches to deliver dsRNA into tomato leaflets. The first approach was based on the uptake of dsRNA by leaflets and the second was based on “in planta-induced transient gene silencing” (PITGS), a well-established method for silencing plant genes, used here for the first time to deliver in planta-transcribed dsRNA to target insect genes. Tuta absoluta larvae that fed on leaves containing dsRNA of the target genes showed an ~60% reduction in target gene transcript accumulation, an increase in larval mortality and less leaf damage. We then generated transgenic ‘Micro-Tom’ tomato plants that expressed hairpin sequences for both genes and observed a reduction in foliar damage by T. absoluta in these plants. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of RNAi as an alternative method for controlling this critical tomato pest.

scholarly journals Human Argonaute2 and Argonaute3 are catalytically activated by different lengths of guide RNA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Seul Park ◽  
GeunYoung Sim ◽  
Audrey C. Kehling ◽  
Kotaro Nakanishi
Keyword(s):  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Guide Rna ◽  
Guide Rnas ◽  
Argonaute Proteins ◽  
Complementary Rnas ◽  
Standing Question

AbstractRNA interfering is a eukaryote-specific gene silencing by 20∼23 nucleotide (nt) microRNAs and small interfering RNAs that recruit Argonaute proteins to complementary RNAs for degradation. In humans, Argonaute2 (AGO2) has been known as the only slicer while Argonaute3 (AGO3) barely cleaves RNAs. Therefore, the intrinsic slicing activity of AGO3 remains controversial and a long-standing question. Here, we report 14-nt 3′ end-shortened variants of let-7a, miR-27a, and specific miR-17-92 families that make AGO3 an extremely competent slicer by an ∼ 82-fold increase in target cleavage. These RNAs, named cleavage-inducing tiny guide RNAs (cityRNAs), conversely lower the activity of AGO2, demonstrating that AGO2 and AGO3 have different optimum guide lengths for target cleavage. Our study sheds light on the role of tiny guide RNAs.

scholarly journals Development of an RNA interference (RNAi) gene knockdown protocol in the anaerobic gut fungus Pecoramyces ruminantium strain C1A

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelby S Calkins ◽  
Nicole C Elledge ◽  
Stephen M. Marek ◽  
M B. Couger ◽  
Mostafa S Elshahed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Dna Helicase ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Interacting Protein ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Lactate Levels ◽  
Electron Sink

Members of the anaerobic gut fungi (AGF) reside in rumen, hindgut, and feces of ruminant and non-ruminant herbivorous mammals and reptilian herbivores. No protocols for gene insertion, deletion, silencing, or mutation are currently available for the AGF, rendering gene-targeted molecular biological manipulations unfeasible. Here, we developed and optimized an RNA interference (RNAi)-based protocol for targeted gene silencing in the anaerobic gut fungus Pecoramyces ruminantium strain C1A. Analysis of the C1A genome identified genes encoding enzymes required for RNA silencing in fungi (Dicer, Argonaute, Neurospora crassa QDE-3 homolog DNA helicase, Argonaute-interacting protein, and Neurospora crassa QIP homolog exonuclease); and the competency of C1A germinating spores for RNA uptake was confirmed using fluorescently labeled small interfering RNAs (siRNA). Addition of chemically-synthesized siRNAs targeting D-lactate dehydrogenase (ldhD) gene to C1A germinating spores resulted in marked target gene silencing; as evident by significantly lower ldhD transcriptional levels, a marked reduction in the D-LDH specific enzymatic activity in intracellular protein extracts, and a reduction in D-lactate levels accumulating in the culture supernatant. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of untreated versus siRNA-treated cultures identified a few off-target siRNA-mediated gene silencing effects. As well, significant differential up-regulation of the gene encoding NAD-dependent 2-hydroxyacid dehydrogenase (Pfam00389) in siRNA-treated C1A cultures was observed, which could possibly compensate for loss of D-LDH as an electron sink mechanism in C1A. The results demonstrate the feasibility of RNAi in anaerobic fungi, and opens the door for gene silencing-based studies in this fungal clade.

scholarly journals A Double-Stranded-RNA Response Program Important for RNA Interference Efficiency

2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 3995-4005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swati Choudhary ◽  
Heng-Chi Lee ◽  
Mekhala Maiti ◽  
Qun He ◽  
Ping Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Interferon Response ◽  
Rnai Pathway ◽  
Double Stranded Rna ◽  
Interferon Stimulated Genes ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Genome Wide Search ◽  
Host Defense Response ◽  
Optimal Function

ABSTRACT When recognized by the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced in eukaryotic cells results in posttranscriptional gene silencing. In addition, dsRNA can trigger the interferon response as part of the immune response in vertebrates. In this study, we show that dsRNA, but not short interfering RNA (siRNA), induces the expression of qde-2 (an Argonaute gene) and dcl-2 (a Dicer gene), two central components of the RNAi pathway in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. The induction of QDE-2 by dsRNA is required for normal gene silencing, indicating that this is a regulatory mechanism that allows the optimal function of the RNAi pathway. In addition, we demonstrate that Dicer proteins (DCLs) regulate QDE-2 posttranscriptionally, suggesting a role for DCLs or siRNA in QDE-2 accumulation. Finally, a genome-wide search revealed that additional RNAi components and homologs of antiviral and interferon-stimulated genes are also dsRNA-activated genes in Neurospora. Together, our results suggest that the activation of the RNAi components is part of a broad ancient host defense response against viral and transposon infections.

scholarly journals Branched RNA: A New Architecture for RNA Interference

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Aviñó ◽  
Sandra M. Ocampo ◽  
José Carlos Perales ◽  
Ramon Eritja
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Rna Modifications ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Innovative Tool ◽  
Branched Rna ◽  
Gene Inhibition ◽  
Novel Structures

Branched RNAs with two and four strands were synthesized. These structures were used to obtain branched siRNA. The branched siRNA duplexes had similar inhibitory capacity as those of unmodified siRNA duplexes, as deduced from gene silencing experiments of the TNF-α protein. Branched RNAs are considered novel structures for siRNA technology, and they provide an innovative tool for specific gene inhibition. As the method described here is compatible with most RNA modifications described to date, these compounds may be further functionalized to obtain more potent siRNA derivatives and can be attached to suitable delivery systems.

scholarly journals RNA stem structure governs coupling of dicing and gene silencing in RNA interference

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (48) ◽  
pp. E10349-E10358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye Ran Koh ◽  
Amirhossein Ghanbariniaki ◽  
Sua Myong
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Secondary Structures ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Rnai Pathway ◽  
Loop Length ◽  
Cellular Mirnas ◽  
Decoupling Effect ◽  
Stem Structure

PremicroRNAs (premiRNAs) possess secondary structures consisting of a loop and a stem with multiple mismatches. Despite the well-characterized RNAi pathway, how the structural features of premiRNA contribute to dicing and subsequent gene-silencing efficiency remains unclear. Using single-molecule FISH, we demonstrate that cytoplasmic mRNA, but not nuclear mRNA, is reduced during RNAi. The dicing rate and silencing efficiency both increase in a correlated manner as a function of the loop length. In contrast, mismatches in the stem drastically diminish the silencing efficiency without impacting the dicing rate. We show that this decoupling effect is not due to the loading to the RNA-induced silencing complex, RNA uptake, or cellular dicing. We postulate that the stem mismatches perturb the handover of the cleaved miRNAs from Dicer to Argonaute, leading to poor strand selection. Our results imply that the stem structures prevalent in cellular miRNAs have suboptimal silencing efficiency.

scholarly journals Exploring the functions of RNA interference pathway proteins: some functions are more RISCy than others?

2005 ◽  
Vol 387 (3) ◽  
pp. 561-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna JARONCZYK ◽  
Jon B. CARMICHAEL ◽  
Tom C. HOBMAN
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Cell Cycle Regulators ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Piwi Domain ◽  
Therapeutic Technique ◽  
Silencing Pathways ◽  
Laboratory Tool ◽  
Molecular Therapeutic ◽  
Regulate Gene

PPD (PAZ Piwi domain) proteins and the Dicer family have been the subjects of intense study over the last 6 years. These proteins have well-established roles in RNAi (RNA interference), a process that relies on siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) or miRNAs (microRNAs) to mediate specificity. The development of techniques for applying RNAi as a laboratory tool and a molecular therapeutic technique has rapidly outpaced our understanding of the biology of this process. However, over the last 2 years, great strides have been made towards elucidating how PPD proteins and Dicer regulate gene-silencing at the pre- and post-transcriptional levels. In addition, evidence is beginning to emerge that suggests that these proteins have additional siRNA-independent roles as cell-cycle regulators. In the present review, we summarize the well-known roles of these two classes of proteins in gene-silencing pathways, as well as explore the evidence for novel roles of PPD and Dicer proteins.

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