MyMedR

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 39 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Elevated Capacity for Photosynthesis in Polyphenol Oxidase Expression-Silenced Clematis terniflora DC. Leaves

Chen X, Yang B, Huang W, Wang T, Li Y, Zhong Z, et al.

Int J Mol Sci, 2018 Dec 05;19(12).
PMID: 30563128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123897

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) catalyzes the o-hydroxylation of monophenols and oxidation of o-diphenols to quinones. Although the effects of PPO on plant physiology were recently proposed, little has been done to explore the inherent molecular mechanisms. To explore the in vivo physiological functions of PPO, a model with decreased PPO expression and enzymatic activity was constructed on Clematis terniflora DC. using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology. Proteomics was performed to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the model (VC) and empty vector-carrying plants (VV) untreated or exposed to high levels of UV-B and dark (HUV-B+D). Following integration, it was concluded that the DEPs mainly functioned in photosynthesis, glycolysis, and redox in the PPO silence plants. Mapman analysis showed that the DEPs were mainly involved in light reaction and Calvin cycle in photosynthesis. Further analysis illustrated that the expression level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase, the content of chlorophyll, and the photosynthesis rate were increased in VC plants compared to VV plants pre- and post HUV-B+D. These results indicate that the silence of PPO elevated the plant photosynthesis by activating the glycolysis process, regulating Calvin cycle and providing ATP for energy metabolism. This study provides a prospective approach for increasing crop yield in agricultural production.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing*
Fulltext Hepatitis B Virus-Like Particle: Targeted Delivery of Plasmid Expressing Short Hairpin RNA for Silencing the Bcl-2 Gene in Cervical Cancer Cells

Akwiditya MA, Yong CY, Yusof MT, Mariatulqabtiah AR, Ho KL, Tan WS

Int J Mol Sci, 2021 Feb 26;22(5).
PMID: 33652577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052320

Gene therapy research has advanced to clinical trials, but it is hampered by unstable nucleic acids packaged inside carriers and there is a lack of specificity towards targeted sites in the body. This study aims to address gene therapy limitations by encapsidating a plasmid synthesizing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) that targets the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene using truncated hepatitis B core antigen (tHBcAg) virus-like particle (VLP). A shRNA sequence targeting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was synthesized and cloned into the pSilencer 2.0-U6 vector. The recombinant plasmid, namely PshRNA, was encapsidated inside tHBcAg VLP and conjugated with folic acid (FA) to produce FA-tHBcAg-PshRNA VLP. Electron microscopy revealed that the FA-tHBcAg-PshRNA VLP has an icosahedral structure that is similar to the unmodified tHBcAg VLP. Delivery of FA-tHBcAg-PshRNA VLP into HeLa cells overexpressing the folate receptor significantly downregulated the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 at 48 and 72 h post-transfection. The 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay demonstrated that the cells' viability was significantly reduced from 89.46% at 24 h to 64.52% and 60.63%, respectively, at 48 and 72 h post-transfection. As a conclusion, tHBcAg VLP can be used as a carrier for a receptor-mediated targeted delivery of a therapeutic plasmid encoding shRNA for gene silencing in cancer cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing*
Editorial: Contemporary siRNA Therapeutics and the Current State-of-Art

Tekade RK

Curr Pharm Des, 2015;21(31):4527-8.
PMID: 26362643
Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing
Design, mechanism, delivery and therapeutics of canonical and Dicer-substrate siRNA

Raja MAG, Katas H, Amjad MW

Asian J Pharm Sci, 2019 Sep;14(5):497-510.
PMID: 32104477 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2018.12.005

Upon the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), canonical small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been recognized to trigger sequence-specific gene silencing. Despite the benefits of siRNAs as potential new drugs, there are obstacles still to be overcome, including off-target effects and immune stimulation. More recently, Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) has been introduced as an alternative to siRNA. Similarly, it also is proving to be potent and target-specific, while rendering less immune stimulation. DsiRNA is 25-30 nucleotides in length, and is further cleaved and processed by the Dicer enzyme. As with siRNA, it is crucial to design and develop a stable, safe, and efficient system for the delivery of DsiRNA into the cytoplasm of targeted cells. Several polymeric nanoparticle systems have been well established to load DsiRNA for in vitro and in vivo delivery, thereby overcoming a major hurdle in the therapeutic uses of DsiRNA. The present review focuses on a comparison of siRNA and DsiRNA on the basis of their design, mechanism, in vitro and in vivo delivery, and therapeutics.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing
Thermo-Responsive Polymer-siRNA Conjugates Enabling Artificial Control of Gene Silencing around Body Temperature

Honda Y, Onodera S, Takemoto H, Harun NFC, Nomoto T, Matsui M, et al.

Pharm Res, 2023 Jan;40(1):157-165.
PMID: 36307662 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03414-8

PURPOSE: Controlling small interfering RNA (siRNA) activity by external stimuli is useful to exert a selective therapeutic effect at the target site. This study aims to develop a technology to control siRNA activity in a thermo-responsive manner, which can be utilized even at temperatures close to body temperature.
METHODS: siRNA was conjugated with a thermo-responsive copolymer that was synthesized by copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and hydrophilic N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) to permit thermally controlled interaction between siRNA and an intracellular gene silencing-related protein by utilizing the coil-to-globule phase transition of the copolymer. The composition of the copolymer was fine-tuned to obtain lower critical solution temperature (LCST) around body temperature, and the phase transition behavior was evaluated. The cellular uptake and gene silencing efficiency of the copolymer-siRNA conjugates were then investigated in cultured cells.
RESULTS: The siRNA conjugated with the copolymer with LCST of 38.0°C exhibited ~ 11.5 nm of the hydrodynamic diameter at 37°C and ~ 9.8 nm of the diameter at 41°C, indicating the coil-globule transition above the LCST. In line with this LCST behavior, its cellular uptake and gene silencing efficiency were enhanced when the temperature was increased from 37°C to 41°C.
CONCLUSION: By fine-tuning the LCST behavior of the copolymer that was conjugated with siRNA, siRNA activity could be controlled in a thermo-responsive manner around the body temperature. This technique may offer a promising approach to induce therapeutic effects of siRNA selectively in the target site even in the in vivo conditions.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing
Small interfering RNA silencing of interleukin-6 in mesenchymal stromal cells inhibits multiple myeloma cell growth

Teoh HK, Chong PP, Abdullah M, Sekawi Z, Tan GC, Leong CF, et al.

Leuk. Res., 2016 Jan;40:44-53.
PMID: 26626206 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2015.10.004

Studies demonstrated that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) from bone marrow stroma produced high concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) that promoted multiple myeloma cell growth. In view of the failure of IL-6 monoclonal antibody therapy to demonstrate substantial clinical responses in early clinical trials, more effective methods are needed in order to disrupt the favourable microenvironment provided by the bone marrow stroma. In this study, we evaluated the short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of IL-6 in MSC and the efficacy of these genetically modified MSC, with IL-6 suppression, on inhibition of U266 multiple myeloma cell growth. IL-6 mRNA and protein were significantly suppressed by 72h post IL-6 siRNA transfection without affecting the biological properties of MSC. Here we show significant inhibition of cell growth and IL-6 production in U266 cells co-cultured with MSC transfected with IL-6 siRNA when compared to U266 cells co-cultured with control MSC. We also show that the tumour volume and mitotic index of tumours in nude mice co-injected with U266 and MSC transfected with IL-6 siRNA were significantly reduced compared to tumours of mice co-injected with control MSC. Our results suggest potential use of RNA interference mediated therapy for multiple myeloma.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing*
siRNA Therapy, Challenges and Underlying Perspectives of Dendrimer as Delivery Vector

Tekade RK, Maheshwari RG, Sharma PA, Tekade M, Chauhan AS

Curr Pharm Des, 2015;21(31):4614-36.
PMID: 26486147

siRNA technology presents a helpful means of gene silencing in mammalian cells. Advancement in the field includes enhanced attentiveness in the characterization of target and off-target effects employing suitable controls and gene expression microarrays. These will permit expansion in the measurement of single and multiple target combinations and also permit comprehensive efforts to understand mammalian cell processes. Another fact is that the delivery of siRNA requires the creation of a nanoparticulate vector with controlled structural geometry and surface modalities inside the targeted cells. On the other hand, dendrimers represent the class of carrier system where massive control over size, shape and physicochemical properties makes this delivery vector exceptional and favorable in genetic transfection applications. The siRNA therapeutics may be incorporated inside the geometry of the density controlled dendrimers with the option of engineering the structure to the specific needs of the genetic material and its indication. The existing reports on the siRNA carrying and deliverance potential of dendrimers clearly suggest the significance of this novel class of polymeric architecture and certainly elevate the futuristic use of this highly branched vector as genetic material delivery system.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing*
Gene Silencing by RNAi in Mammalian Cells

Ponthan F, Yusoff NM, Soria NM, Heidenreich O, Coffey K

Curr Protoc Mol Biol, 2015 Jul 01;111:26.2.1-26.2.17.
PMID: 26131850 DOI: 10.1002/0471142727.mb2602s111

This unit provides information how to use short interfering RNA (siRNA) for sequence-specific gene silencing in mammalian cells. Several methods for siRNA generation and optimization, as well as recommendations for cell transfection and transduction, are presented.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing*
FOXRED1 silencing in mice: a possible animal model for Leigh syndrome

Salama M, El-Desouky S, Alsayed A, El-Hussiny M, Moustafa A, Taalab Y, et al.

Metab Brain Dis, 2019 02;34(1):367-372.
PMID: 30392038 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0334-z

Leigh syndrome (LS) is one of the most puzzling mitochondrial disorders, which is also known as subacute necrotizing encephalopathy. It has an incidence of 1 in 77,000 live births worldwide with poor prognosis. Currently, there is a poor understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease without any available effective treatment. Hence, the inevitability for developing suitable animal and cellular models needed for the development of successful new therapeutic modalities. In this short report, we blocked FOXRED1 gene with small interfering RNA (siRNA) using C57bl/6 mice. Results showed neurobehavioral changes in the injected mice along with parallel degeneration in corpus striatum and sparing of the substantia nigra similar to what happen in Leigh syndrome cases. FOXRED1 blockage could serve as a new animal model for Leigh syndrome due to defective CI, which echoes damage to corpus striatum and affection of the central dopaminergic system in this disease. Further preclinical studies are required to validate this model.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing*
Fulltext Gene silencing and Polycomb group proteins: an overview of their structure, mechanisms and phylogenetics

Golbabapour S, Majid NA, Hassandarvish P, Hajrezaie M, Abdulla MA, Hadi AH

OMICS, 2013 Jun;17(6):283-96.
PMID: 23692361 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2012.0105

DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin configuration are crucially important in the regulation of gene expression. Among these epigenetic mechanisms, silencing the expression of certain genes depending on developmental stage and tissue specificity is a key repressive system in genome programming. Polycomb (Pc) proteins play roles in gene silencing through different mechanisms. These proteins act in complexes and govern the histone methylation profiles of a large number of genes that regulate various cellular pathways. This review focuses on two main Pc complexes, Pc repressive complexes 1 and 2, and their phylogenetic relationship, structures, and function. The dynamic roles of these complexes in silencing will be discussed herein, with a focus on the recruitment of Pc complexes to target genes and the key factors involved in their recruitment.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing*
Fulltext Pyrosequencing-based quantitative evaluation of P16 methylation in diffuse large b-cell lymphoma

Mohd. Ridah L.J., Ismail A., A. Talib N., Muhammad N., Hussain F.A., Zainuddin N.

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2016;1(1):12-17.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Methylation of promoter region of p16 leading to gene silencing has been implicated ina wide range of malignancies including lymphomas. In diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) particularly, a varying percentage of epigenetic inactivation of p16 promoter region was observed ranging from 16 -54%. However, quantitative analysis of p16 promoter methylation in DLBCL has not been extensively studied in Malaysia. Objective: This study aims to quantitatively analyse p16 methylation in DLBCL samples using pyrosequencing technique. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from 16 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lymphoma tissue blocks from patients diagnosed with DLBCL. Samples were retrieved from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. Primers were designed to amplify bisulfite-treated DNA targeting p16 promoter region. Methylation status of 7 CpG sites was determined by pyrosequencing. Results: All the 16 samples studied showed promoter methylation of p16. The range of mean methylation percentage was between 18 to 81%. Conclusion: The present study has successfully measured the level of methylation of p16 in all 7 CpG sites despite the limitation in sample size. Since p16 methylation is a common event in our series of DLBCL cases, it is worth including a larger sample size in future studies to increase the chance of finding a significant correlation with clinical parameters.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing
Fulltext Small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and lysosomal trafficking regulator (LYST) induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in human multiple myeloma cells: A preliminary study

Bong IP, Ng CC, Fakiruddin SK, Lim MN, Zakaria Z

Bosn J Basic Med Sci, 2016 Nov 10;16(4):268-275.
PMID: 27754828 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2016.1568

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of B lymphocytes or plasma cells. Our array-based comparative genomic hybridization findings revealed chromosomal gains at 7q22.3 and 1q42.3, where nicotinamide (NAM) phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and lysosomal trafficking regulator (LYST) genes are localized, respectively. This led us to further study the functions of these genes in myeloma cells. NAMPT is a key enzyme involved in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide salvage pathway, and it is frequently overexpressed in human cancers. In contrast, little is known about the function of LYST in cancer. The expression of LYST is shown to affect lysosomal size, granule size, and autophagy in human cells. In this study, the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of NAMPT and LYST on cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated in RPMI 8226 myeloma cells. Transfection efficiencies were determined by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase PCR. Cell proliferation was determined using MTT assay, while apoptosis was analyzed with flow cytometry using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay. The NAMPT protein expression in siRNA-treated cells was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results showed that NAMPT and LYST were successfully knockdown by siRNA transfection (p < 0.05). NAMPT or LYST gene silencing significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in RPMI 8226 cells (p < 0.05). Silencing of NAMPT gene also decreased NAMPT protein levels (p < 0.01). Our study demonstrated that NAMPT and LYST play pivotal roles in the molecular pathogenesis of MM. This is the first report describing the possible functions of LYST in myelomagenesis and its potential role as a therapeutic target in MM.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing*
Fulltext Bcl-xL silencing induces alterations in hsa-miR-608 expression and subsequent cell death in A549 and SK-LU1 human lung adenocarcinoma cells

Othman N, In LL, Harikrishna JA, Hasima N

PLoS One, 2013;8(12):e81735.
PMID: 24339958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081735

Bcl-xL is an anti-apoptotic protein that is frequently found to be overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer leading to an inhibition of apoptosis and poor prognosis. Recently, the role of miRNAs in regulating apoptosis and cell survival during tumorigenesis has become evident, with cancer cells showing perturbed expression of various miRNAs. In this study, we utilized miRNA microarrays to determine if miRNA dysregulation in bcl-xL silenced lung adenocarcinoma cells could be involved in regulating cell death. Short interfering RNA-based transfection of A549 and SK-LU1 lung adenocarcinoma cells was successful in inducing a reduction in bcl-xL expression levels, resulting in a decrease in cell viability. A total of 10 miRNAs were found to be significantly differentially expressed when compared between siRNA-transfected and non-transfected cells including hsa-miR-181a, hsa-miR-769-5p, hsa-miR-361-5p, hsa-miR-1304 and hsa-miR-608. When overexpression studies on hsa-miR-608 was performed via transfection of miRNA mimics, cell death was found to be induced in A549 and SK-LU1 cells in comparison to untreated cells. This effect was reversed when knockdown studies involving anti-sense inhibitors were introduced. Combination of siRNA based silencing of bcl-xL (siBcl-xL) followed by anti-sense inhibitor transfection led to a decrease in the apoptotic population of A549 and SK-LU1 cells in comparison to cells only treated with siBcl-xL, illustrating the connection between bcl-xL, hsa-miR-608 and cell death. Gene target prediction analysis implicated the PI3K/AKT, WNT, TGF-β, and ERK signaling pathways as targets of bcl-xL induced miRNA alterations. We have demonstrated that bcl-xL silencing in A549 and SK-LU1 cells leads to the occurrence of cell death through the dysregulation of specific miRNAs. This study also provides a platform for anti-sense gene therapy whereby miRNA expression can be exploited to increase the apoptotic properties in lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing*
Fulltext HOXA4 gene promoter hypermethylation as an epigenetic mechanism mediating resistance to imatinib mesylate in chronic myeloid leukemia patients

Elias MH, Baba AA, Husin A, Sulong S, Hassan R, Sim GA, et al.

Biomed Res Int, 2013;2013:129715.
PMID: 23484077 DOI: 10.1155/2013/129715

Development of resistance to imatinib mesylate (IM) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients has emerged as a significant clinical problem. The observation that increased epigenetic silencing of potential tumor suppressor genes correlates with disease progression in some CML patients treated with IM suggests a relationship between epigenetic silencing and resistance development. We hypothesize that promoter hypermethylation of HOXA4 could be an epigenetic mechanism mediating IM resistance in CML patients. Thus a study was undertaken to investigate the promoter hypermethylation status of HOXA4 in CML patients on IM treatment and to determine its role in mediating resistance to IM. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of 95 CML patients (38 good responders and 57 resistant) and 12 normal controls. All samples were bisulfite treated and analysed by methylation-specific high-resolution melt analysis. Compared to the good responders, the HOXA4 hypermethylation level was significantly higher (P = 0.002) in IM-resistant CML patients. On comparing the risk, HOXA4 hypermethylation was associated with a higher risk for IM resistance (OR 4.658; 95% CI, 1.673-12.971; P = 0.003). Thus, it is reasonable to suggest that promoter hypermethylation of HOXA4 gene could be an epigenetic mechanism mediating IM resistance in CML patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing/drug effects*
Nanocarriers Assisted siRNA Gene Therapy for the Management of Cardiovascular Disorders

Maheshwari R, Tekade M, Sharma PA, Tekade RK

Curr Pharm Des, 2015;21(30):4427-40.
PMID: 26471319

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), primarily myocardial infarction (MI), atherosclerosis, hypertension and congestive heart failure symbolize the foremost cause of death in almost all parts of the world. Besides the traditional therapeutic approaches for the management of CVDs, newer innovative strategies are also emerging on the horizon. Recently, gene silencing via small interfering RNA (siRNA) is one of the hot topics amongst various strategies involved in the management of CVDs. The siRNA mechanism involves natural catalytic processes to silence pathological genes that are overexpressed in a particular disease. Also the versatility of gene expression by siRNA deciphers a prospective tactic to down-regulate diseases associated gene, protein or receptor existing on a specific disease target. This article reviews the application of siRNA against CVDs with special emphasis on gene targets in combination with delivery systems such as cationic hydrogels, polyplexes, peptides, liposomes and dendrimers.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing
Fulltext The epigenetics changes in childhood solid cancer: a review

Wan Faiziah Wan Abdul Rahman

Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2019;23(2):1-15.
MyJurnal

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. It is a change in phenotype without changing in genotype which in turn affects how cellsread the genes. The epigenetic change is a regular occurrence but can also be influenced by several factors including age, environment, lifestyle, and disease state. It may have damaging effects that result in diseases like cancer. At least three systems including DNA methylation, histone modification and RNA-associated gene silencing are currently considered to initiate and sustain epigenetic change. New and ongoing research is continuously uncovering the role of epigenetics in a variety of diseases including in childhood solid cancer such as Ewing sarcoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumours, brain tumours and rhabdomyosarcoma. A better understanding of epigenetic changes in childhood cancers can guide towards future therapy and diagnosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing
Fulltext Neutralizing FGF4 protein in conditioned medium of IL-21-silenced HCT116 cells restores the migratory activity of the colorectal cancer cells

Abdalkareem EA, Ong CY, Lim BH, Khoo BY

Cytotechnology, 2018 Oct;70(5):1363-1374.
PMID: 29802489 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-018-0228-2

The interleukin-21 (IL-21) protein was found to be expressed at an elevated level in clinical samples of colorectal cancer patients without or with a parasitic infection that were collected from Sudan in our previous study. The IL-21 gene in HT29 and HCT116 cells was then correlated to cell proliferation and cell migration, as well as the cellular mechanisms associated with gene expressions in our present study. Our results demonstrated that silencing the IL-21 gene in HCT116 cells increased the cytotoxic level and fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF4) mRNA expression in the cancer cells. Moreover, specific gene silencing reduced the migration of cancer cells compared to non-silenced cancer cells. These events were not observed in IL-21-silenced HT29 cells. Neutralizing FGF4 in conditioned medium of IL-21-silenced HCT116 cells further increased the cytotoxic level and restored the migratory activity of HCT116 cells in the culture compared to silencing the IL-21 gene alone in the cancer cells. Our results indicate the importance of both silencing the IL-21 gene and co-expression of the FGF4 protein in HCT116 cells, which pave the way for the discovery of important factors to be used as biomarkers for the design of drugs or cost-effective supplements to effectively treat the patients having infectious disease and HCT116 cells of colorectal cancer simultaneously in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing
Differential effects of two-pore channel protein 1 and 2 silencing in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells

Jahidin AH, Stewart TA, Thompson EW, Roberts-Thomson SJ, Monteith GR

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2016 Sep 02;477(4):731-736.
PMID: 27353380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.06.127

Two-pore channel proteins, TPC1 and TPC2, are calcium permeable ion channels found localized to the membranes of endolysosomal calcium stores. There is increasing interest in the role of TPC-mediated intracellular signaling in various pathologies; however their role in breast cancer has not been extensively evaluated. TPC1 and TPC2 mRNA was present in all non-tumorigenic and tumorigenic breast cell lines assessed. Silencing of TPC2 but not TPC1 attenuated epidermal growth factor-induced vimentin expression in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. This effect was not due to a general inhibition of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) as TPC2 silencing had no effect on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced changes on E-cadherin expression. TPC1 and TPC2 were also shown to differentially regulate cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)-mediated changes in cytosolic free Ca(2+). These findings indicate potential differential regulation of signaling processes by TPC1 and TPC2 in breast cancer cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing
Global trends in research and commercialization of exogenous and endogenous RNAi technologies for crops

Mat Jalaluddin NS, Othman RY, Harikrishna JA

Crit Rev Biotechnol, 2018 Sep 09.
PMID: 30198341 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2018.1496064

It has only been about 20 years since the first Nobel Prize-winning work on RNA interference (RNAi) in Caenorhabditis elegans was published in the journal Nature. Fast forward to today, and the use of RNA molecules as gene-silencing elements in crops has helped scientists to unveil possible solutions to the global problems of agricultural losses due to pests, viruses, pathogens, and to other abiotic and biotic stresses. The recent proliferation of publications suggests that the technology has gained significant attention and received ample funding support. In this article, an attempt has been made to visualize recent trends in Research & Development (R&D) investment in this field by analyzing top cited scholarly articles, patent trends, and commercialization activity. The publication and citation analysis identified that the development of RNAi-based crops conferring resistance against viruses, fungi, and pests are at the forefront of RNAi research and that Chinese and US institutions are the leaders in this field. The patent landscape analysis for RNAi technology over all aspects related to RNAi-derived crops provides an overview of patenting activity from a geographical, organizational, and legal perspective. Such an exercise is pivotal to industry players and public institutions aiming at creating intellectual property that is commercially appealing. An upswing in commercial interests in this technology in recent years is reflected by a consistent number of patent filings in US, European, and Chinese patent offices, with multinational giant firms as the most prolific patent filers. The expanding RNAi commercialization landscape is supported by a series of strategic partnerships, licensing agreements, and acquisitions created between agribusinesses, public research institutions, and startup companies. From key observations, we would like to highlight that such investments have very positive impacts on the development of RNAi technology. Nonetheless, the success of this technology is dependent on several factors, such as financial requirements, the complexity, and timeframe of the entire development process, as well as stringent regulations imposed by the relevant authorities. In most countries, RNAi-based transgenic crops are still considered as a genetically modified (GM) product, which necessitates the crops to undergo rigorous evaluation before approval is granted. Recent advancements in exogenous RNAi-derived biopesticides have provided a nontransgenic alternative to GM crops. However, challenges still remain in the form of technical hurdles and regulatory ambiguities surrounding this emerging technology. Its full potential remains to be realized.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing
Trichinella spiralis: RNAi-mediated silencing of serine protease results in reduction of intrusion, development and fecundity

Yang DQ, Zeng Y, Sun XY, Yue X, Hu CX, Jiang P, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):932-946.
PMID: 33612747 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.932

In previous studies, a Trichinella spiralis serine protease (TsSP) was identified in excretion/secretion (ES) products from intestinal infective L1 larvae (IIL1) using immunoproteomics. The complete cDNA sequence of TsSP gene was 1372 bp, which encoded 429 amino acids with 47.55 kDa. The TsSP was transcribed and expressed at all T. spiralis life cycle phases, as well as mainly located at the cuticle and stichosome of the parasitic nematode. Recombinant TsSP bind to intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and promoted larva invasion, however, its exact function in invasion, development and reproduction are still unknown. The aim of this study was to confirm the biological function of TsSP during T. spiralis invasion and growth using RNA interference (RNAi) technology. The results showed that on 1 day after electroporation using 2.5 µM siRNA156, TsSP mRNA and protein expression of muscle larvae (ML) was suppressed by 48.35 and 59.98%, respectively. Meanwhile, silencing of TsSP gene by RNAi resulted in a 61.38% decrease of serine protease activity of ML ES proteins, and a significant reduction of the in vitro and in vivo invasive capacity of IIL1 to intrude into the IEC monolayer and intestinal mucosa. When mice were infected with siRNA 156-transfected larvae, adult worm and muscle larva burdens were decreased by 58.85 and 60.48%, respectively. Moreover, intestinal worm growth and female fecundity were evidently inhibited after TsSP gene was knockdown, it was demonstrated that intestinal adults became smaller and the in vitro newborn larval yield of females obviously declined compared with the control siRNA group. The results indicated that knockdown of TsSP gene by RNAi significantly reduced the TsSP expression and enzymatic activity, impaired larvae intrusion and growth, and lowered the female reproductive capacity, further verified that TsSP might participate in diverse processes of T. spiralis life cycle, it will be a new prospective candidate molecular target of anti-Trichinella vaccines.

Matched MeSH terms: Gene Silencing

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links