S ilencing of SCD and SREBP1 Genes by Short Hairpin RNAs in Chicken Hepatic Cells in Vitro

RNA interference by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) is a widely used post transcriptional silencing mechanism for suppressing expression of the target gene. In the current study, five shRNA molecules each against SCD and SREBP1 genes involved in denovo lipid biosynthesis were designed upon considering parameters such as secondary structures of shRNAs, mRNA target regions, GC content and thermodynamic properties (ΔG overall, ΔG duplex and ΔG break-target), synthesized and cloned in pENTR/U6 entry vector to knockdown the expression of SCD and SREBP1 genes. After transfection of these shRNA constructs into the chicken embryonic hepatocytes, expressions of the target genes were monitored by real time PCR. Significant reduction (P<0.05) in the expression of SCD and SREBP1 genes was observed in hepatocytes. The shRNAs against SCD gene showed the knock down efficiency ranged from 20.4% (shRNA5) to 74.2% (shRNA2). In case of SREBP1 gene, the shRNAs showed knock-down efficiency ranging from 26.8% (shRNA4) to 95.85% (shRNA1). The shRNAs against both the genes introduced in chicken hepatocyte cells did not show any significant impact on expression of immune response genes (IFNA and IFNB) in those cells. These results clearly demonstrated the successful down regulation of the expression of SCD and SREBP1 genes by the shRNA molecules against both the target genes under in vitro condition. It is concluded that the shRNA molecules against SCD and SREBP1 genes showed great potential to silence the expression of these genes under in vitro chicken embryonic hepatocyte cells.

Construction and Evaluation of Short Hairpin RNAs for Knockdown of Metadherin mRNA

Background: Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) has proven to be a powerful tool to study genes’ function through RNA interference mechanism. Three different methods have been used in previous studies to produce shRNA expression vectors including oligonucleotide-based cloning, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based cloning, and primer extension PCR approaches. The aim of this study was designing a reliable and simple method according to the primer extension strategy for constructing four shRNA vectors in order to target different regions of Metadherin (MTDH) mRNA in human leukemic cell line Jurkat. Methods: Oligonucleotides for construction of four shRNA vectors were designed, synthesized and fused to U6 promoter. Each U6-shRNA cassette was cloned into a pGFP-V-RS vector. MTDH shRNAs were transfected into the Jurkat cell line by using the electroporation method. The ability of shRNAs to knock down MTDH mRNA was analyzed through qRT-PCR. Apoptosis assay was used to evaluate the effect of down regulation of MTDH expression on cell integrity. Results: A significant reduction (about 80%) in the expression levels of MTDH mRNA and an increase in the percentages of apoptotic cells (about 20%) were observed in the test group in comparison with control. Conclusion: MTDH shRNA constructs effectively inhibited gene expression. However, simplicity and inexpensiveness of the method were additional advantages for its application.

Total Flavones Isolated from Lycium Barbarum L. Inhibit the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of GlioblastomaU-87MG Cells by Decreasing Formyl Peptide Receptor 1 Expression

Background: To study the role and mechanisms of total flavones from Lycium barbarum L. (TFL) and FPR1 in the growth of glioblastoma U-87MG cells.Main Methods: CCK-8, wound-healing and Transwell were used for investigating proliferation, motility and invasion of U87 cells after treating with total flavones. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to study the effect of total flavones on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase2 (MMP2) and FPR1. The short hairpin RNA and FPR agonist fMLP were used to delineate the role of FPR1.Results: TFL was successfully isolated, and its concentration was determined to be 6.205 mg/l. TFL inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of U-87MG cells in a time and dose-dependent manner compared to controls. Decreasing FPR1 expression using short hairpin RNA significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of U-87MG cells. Notably, increased expression of FPR1 and treatment with FPR-agonist peptides such as N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine induced the migration and invasion of U-87MG cells, which was significantly decreased when the cells were treated with TFL. Conclusion: TFL inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of human glioblastoma U-87MG cells through decreasing the expression of FPR1. These findings provide valuable evidence for the development of antitumor drugs.

Artificial miRNAs are potential gene therapy tools, especially for incurable monogenic disorders

Well-designed artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs) are as effective as short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) but produce 10–80 times less siRNA. They enable long-term silencing and are safer than other RNAi triggers. They are suitable instruments for gene therapy techniques, especially for incurable monogenic diseases. In clinical studies, stereotactic injection of AAV5 directly into the striatum is the most effective approach. Intravenous injections would not only make patients more comfortable, but would also reduce the cost of complex brain surgery. In terms of structure, biogenesis, and expression levels, Ami RNAs are more "natural" than other gene therapy methods. They also utilise the cell's native protein machinery and do not produce irreversible alterations, unlike genome editing technologies. The amount of time spent on a technology determines its level of progression. ASOs have an edge in this regard, as seen by the number of authorized medicines. Perhaps RNAi is just around the corner.

Antiviral efficacy of short-hairpin RNAs and artificial microRNAs targeting foot-and-mouth disease virus

RNA interference (RNAi) is a well-conserved mechanism in eukaryotic cells that directs post-transcriptional gene silencing through small RNA molecules. RNAi has been proposed as an alternative approach for rapid and specific control of viruses including foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), the causative agent of a devastating animal disease with high economic impact. The aim of this work was to assess the antiviral activity of different small RNA shuttles targeting the FMDV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase coding sequence (3D). Three target sequences were predicted within 3D considering RNA accessibility as a major criterion. The silencing efficacy of short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) and artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) targeting the selected sequences was confirmed in fluorescent reporter assays. Furthermore, BHK-21 cells transiently expressing shRNAs or amiRNAs proved 70 to >95% inhibition of FMDV growth. Interestingly, dual expression of amiRNAs did not improve FMDV silencing. Lastly, stable cell lines constitutively expressing amiRNAs were established and characterized in terms of antiviral activity against FMDV. As expected, viral replication in these cell lines was delayed. These results show that the target RNA-accessibility-guided approach for RNAi design rendered efficient amiRNAs that constrain FMDV replication. The application of amiRNAs to complement FMDV vaccination in specific epidemiological scenarios shall be explored further.