This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison.
RNA interference
Figure 1. The mechanism for RNAi
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RNA interference is useful for studying a specific gene function through a knockout condition. This technique, otherwise known as RNAi, silences and shuts down mRNA following transcription through degradation [1]. By eliminating gene function, RNAi yields information on what role the gene--and inherently the protein--played inside the organism. RNAi is also useful for evaluating responses to chemical compounds or signalling pathway modifications.
How RNAi works is through short interfering RNAs (siRNA) that bind to the mRNA of a gene transcript. These siRNAs are produced from the dicing of double stranded RNA (dsRNA), which then bind to a RISC protein to form the RISC complex [1]. This RISC complex then binds and targets the mRNA for degradation, causing the gene silencing effect. This is further portrayed in the image to the left. |
Rnai and PSEN1
By knocking out PSEN1 function in model mice and zebrafish with the necessary mutations and deletions coding for Alzheimer's, other genes involved in producing disease symptoms can be studied. Shutting this gene down will allow for direct observations regarding the role that PSEN1 plays in neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaque formation. Similarly, this knockout will also illustrate if another gene or protein plays a role in Alzheimer's development, indicating where future studies should take place.
In accordance to the protein interaction networks, an RNAi screen could be performed on one of the interconnected proteins, establishing if the associated protein complex is jointly regulated or independent when mutated. If APP overproduction and gamma-secretase can be regulated in conjunction with a mutated PSEN1, it may be possible to eradicate disease symptoms, and perhaps Alzheimer's all together.
In accordance to the protein interaction networks, an RNAi screen could be performed on one of the interconnected proteins, establishing if the associated protein complex is jointly regulated or independent when mutated. If APP overproduction and gamma-secretase can be regulated in conjunction with a mutated PSEN1, it may be possible to eradicate disease symptoms, and perhaps Alzheimer's all together.
REFERENCES
Figure 1. http://www.gene-quantification.de/rnai.html
[1] "RNA Interference." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA_interference>.
[1] "RNA Interference." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA_interference>.