Invention:
This invention describes a new method of the widely-used RNA interference technique with potential clinical and research applications.
Background:
RNA interference is a commonly used method to knockdown or “silence” genes. This is typically done using small interfering RNA (siRNA) probes designed with specificity to bind and tag certain RNAs for degradation, and by extension, gene knockdown. This technology has a wide range of potential research and clinical applications.
In this technology, the inventors propose the use of a novel system that allows for piRNAs for gene silencing to be designed to knockdown gene targets. This system is superior, as the probes can be designed to have better specificity, longer length, and to potentially produce better gene knockdowns while also lowering the risk of developing resistance to RNAi.
Applications:
- RNA interference system with wide-ranging life sciences research applications
- RNA interference system with wide-ranging drug or clinical applications
Advantages:
- Can be designed to work with single or double stranded RNAs
- Can be designed with better specificity and longer length
- Better gene knockdowns
- Lowered risk of RNAi resistance
