Introduction to the concept, use and design of siRNAs for selective regulation of gene expression

Aim

The use of siRNAs has become a powerful tool to obtain transient knock-down of selective protein production in eucaryote cells. The technique relies on the use of an endogenous intracellular protein-based machinery that both recognizes the siRNAs and delivers them to their targets on mRNA level. Target location is based on the same principles as those used for formation of the DNA duplex - Watson-Crick basepairing - and thus in theory highly selective. However, not any design of siRNA will result in efficient suppression of protein production. There are several reasons for this, the more important ones being poor target access on mRNA level and poor choice of the siRNA sequence with respect to intracellular recognition.
The course aims at giving an updated view of the molecular interactions that influence the efficacy by which siRNAs operate in vivo. Examples of uses of siRNAs and the function of their corresponding endogenously transcribed partners, miRNAs, will also be presented. Participants will be introduced to a selection of relevant databases with siRNA- and miRNA-related information, together with web-based tools for prediction of both optimal siRNA design and mRNA structure. The course assignment includes production of a "hands-on-short-manual" for construction of one custom designed siRNA of own choice.

Location & Organization

Organizer

FLÄK - The Research School in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Course Director

Sofi Elmroth

Location / venue

Lund University (Faculty of Science)

Timing & Workload

Duration 1 week
ECTS points 3
Frequency Annual
 

Examination yes

Criteria

Is the course taught in English? yes
Is documentation available? (book, syllabus)? yes
Is the course open for external researchers? yes

More Information

http://www.biol.lu.se/cellorgbiol/postgrad/courses/course_29.html