RNA interference reveals chloride channel 7 gene helps short-term hypersalinity stress resistance in Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis

The chloride channel 7 gene(CLC 7)of the Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis was cloned and named ChCLC 7.The cDNA was 2572 bp in length,with a 5′non-coding region containing 25 bp,a 3′non-coding region containing 327 bp,and an open reading frame of 2298 bp.ChCLC 7 has 96.8%and 92.1%homology with CLC 7 of Crassostrea gigas and Crassostrea virginica,respectively,and it was clustered with CLC 7 of C.gigas and C.virginica.QRT-PCR showed that ChCLC 7 was expressed in all eight tissues,with the highest in adductor muscle and second in gill.The ChCLC 7 expression pattern in gill was altered significantly under high salinity stress with an overall upward and then downward trend.After RNA interference,the expression of ChCLC 7 and survival rate of oyster under high salinity stress was reduced significantly,and so did the concentration of hemolymph chloride ion in 48-96 h after RNA interference.We believed that ChCLC 7 could play an important role in osmoregulation of C.hongkongensis by regulating Cl^(-)transport.This study provided data for the analysis of molecular mechanism against oyster salinity stress.

Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA interference of CENPK inhibits growth of colorectal cancer cells with overexpression of Cullin 4A

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide.The identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for CRC is a key research imperative.Immunohistochemical analysis has revealed high expression of centromere protein K(CENPK)in CRC.However,the role of CENPK in the progression of CRC is not well characterized.AIM To evaluate the effects of knockdown of CENPK and overexpression of Cullin 4A(CUL4A)in RKO and HCT116 cells.METHODS Human colon cancer samples were collected and tested using a human gene expression chip.We identified CENPK as a potential oncogene for CRC based on bioinformatics analysis.In vitro experiments verified the function of this gene.We investigated the expression of CENPK in RKO and HCT116 cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR),western blot,and flow cytometry.The effect of short hairpin RNA(shRNA)virus-infected RKO cells on tumor growth was evaluated in vivo using quantitative analysis of fluorescence imaging.To evaluate the effects of knockdown of CENPK and overexpression of CUL4A in RKO and HCT116 cells,we performed a series of in vitro experiments,using qPCR,western blot,MTT assay,and flow cytometry.RESULTS We demonstrated overexpression of CENPK in human colon cancer samples.CENPK was an independent risk factor in patients with CRC.The downstream genes FBX32,CUL4A,and Yesassociated protein isoform 1 were examined to evaluate the regulatory action of CENPK in RKO cells.Significantly delayed xenograft tumor emergence,slower growth rate,and lower final tumor weight and volume were observed in the CENPK short hairpin RNA virus infected group compared with the CENPK negative control group.The CENPK gene interference inhibited the proliferation of RKO cells in vitro and in vivo.The lentivirus-mediated shRNA interference of CENPK inhibited the proliferation of RKO and HCT116 colon cancer cells,with overexpression of the CUL4A.CONCLUSION We indicated a potential role of CENPK in promoting tumor proliferation,and it may be a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CRC.

Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference targeting the ObR gene in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells in a nude mouse xenograft model

Background There is a significant association between obesity and breast cancer, which is possibly due to the expression of leptin. Therefore, it is important to clarify the role of leptin/ObR （leptin receptor） signaling during the progression of human breast cancer. Methods Nude mice with xenografts of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were administered recombinant human leptin subcutaneous via injection around the tumor site. Mice in the experimental group were intratumorally injected with ObR-RNAi-lentivirus, while negative control group mice were injected with the same dose of negative-lentivirus. Tumor size was blindly measured every other day, and mRNA and protein expression levels of ObR, estrogen receptor a （ERa）, and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） for each group were determined.Results Knockdown of ObR-treated xenografted nude mice with a high leptin microenvironment was successfully established. Local injection of ObR-RNAi-lentivirus significantly suppressed the established tumor growth in nude mice. ObR level was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the negative control group, while the amounts of ERα and VEGF expression were significantly lower in the leptin group than in the control group （P 〈0.01 for all）.Conclusions Inhibition of leptin/ObR signaling is essential to breast cancer proliferation and possible crosstalk between ObR and ERa, and VEGF, and may lead to novel therapeutic treatments aiming at targeting ObR in breast cancers.

Lentivirus-mediated shRNA interference targeting STAT3 inhibits human pancreatic cancer cell invasion

AIM： To investigate RNA interference targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 （STAT3） on invasion of human pancreatic cancer cells.METHODS： We constructed three plasmids of RNA interference targeting the STAT3 gene. After LV （lentivirus）-STAT3siRNA （STAT3 small interfering RNA） the vector was transfected into the human pancreatic cell line, SW1990 and cell proliferation was measured by the MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell cycle. Vascular endothelial growth favor （VEGF） and matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） mRNA and protein expression were examined by quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. The invasion ability of SW1990 cells was determined by cell invasion assay.RESULTS： We successfully constructed the LVSTAT3siRNA lentivirus vector and proved that it can suppress expression of STAT3 gene in SW1990 cells. RNA interference of STAT3 by the LV-STAT3siRNA construct significantly inhibited the growth of SW1990 cells, in addition to significantly decreasing both VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, suppression of STAT3 by LV-STAT3siRNA decreased the invasion ability of SW1990 cells.CONCLUSION： The STAT3 signaling pathway may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer since it inhibits the invasion ability of pancreatic cancer cells.

In vivo Inhibitory Effect of Lentivirus-mediated RNA Interference Targeting RhoC on Growth of SKOV3 Cells

To investigate the inhibitory effect of lentivirus-mendiated RNA interference targeting RhoC on the growth of SKOV3 cells（ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells） in vivo, the vector expressing RNA interference targeting RhoC gene（LV-shRhoC） was constructed and the virus particles were packaged. The infection effiency of SKOV3 cells by the virus was estimated by green fluorescent protein expression on a fluorescence microscope and the expression of RhoC gene in the SKOV3 cells was detected by reverse transcription real time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）. Furthermore, human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells, empty vector infected SKOV3 cells and interfered-vector infected SKOV3 cells were respectively seeded into nude mice, and the shape, mass, volume and histophathological changes of the transplanted tumors were observed 20 d later the mice were sacrified. The results show that lentivirus packa-ging particles can effectively infect SKOV3 cells and the lentivirus-mediated RNA interference can significantly in- hibit the expression of RhoC gene in SKOV3 ceils, the mass and volume of the transplanted tumor in the mice of the specific-control group（Lv-shRhoC） are all lower than the corresponding ones in the mice of negative- and blank-control groups（Lv-NC and SKOV3）. Moreover, the histopathlosical secion investigation shows that the nuclear Karyotype and histopathologic mitotic figure of SKOV3 cells in mice of the specific-control group are clearly lower than those in the mice of the negative-control group.Thus it is concluded that silencing RhoC gene by means of lenti- virus-mediated RNA interference targeting RhoC can obviously inhibit the growth of ovarian cancer cells（SKOV3） in vivo, which is a new strategy for the gene therapy of ovarian cancers.

Development of Studies on RNA Interference

RNA interference （RNAi）, caused by endogenous or exogenous double- stranded RNA （dsRNA） homologous with target genes, refers to gene silencing widely existing in animals and plants. It was first found in plants, and now it has developed into a kind of biotechnology as well as an important approach in post- genome era. This paper is to summarize the achievements of studies on RNAi tech- nology in basic biology, medicine, pharmacy, botany and other fields.

EGFR siRNA序列的筛选及其对HepG2细胞活性的影响

目的构建EGFR shRNA重组真核表达载体,并筛选抑制效果最好的EGFR shRNA序列。方法应用在线工具设计人EGFR siRNA序列,采用限制性内切酶BamHI和HindIII切割真核表达质粒pcDNA3.1(+),构建三种人EGFR的siRNA干扰序列载体(psilencer 4.1-CMV neo-EGFR siRNA)。将重组质粒载体转化大肠杆菌DH5α感受态并筛选阳性克隆,通过DNA测序鉴定重组质粒。应用脂质体lipo2000将三种人EGFR siRNA干扰序列载体转染到HepG2细胞,通过荧光显微镜观察转染效率,实时定量PCR检测EGFR mRNA表达水平,MTT法检测细胞活性。结果Psilencer 4.1-CMV neo-EGFR siRNA重组质粒被成功克隆。EGFR shRNA-1、EGFR shRNA-2和EGFR shRNA-3敲低EGFR mRNA的效率分别是80%、60%和70%以上。shRNA-2和shRNA-3使细胞活性分别下降50%(P<0.05),但shRNA-1对细胞活性无明显影响(P>0.05)。结论重组psilencer 4.1-CMV neo-EGFR siRNA质粒可下调肝癌细胞株EGFR表达水平和细胞活性。EGFR shRNA-3较EGFR shRNA-1和shRNA-2对HepG2细胞的抑制作用更显著。

siRNA纳米递送系统在类风湿性关节炎治疗中的研究进展

类风湿性关节炎是一种自身免疫性疾病,其病因复杂,目前尚未有很好的治疗方法,长期服用抗风湿药物也带来诸多副作用。RNA干扰技术是指通过外源性或内源性的双链RNA在体内诱导靶基因m RNA产生特异性降解,进而引起不同水平的基因沉默,具有高效、高特异性、低毒等优点,在生物医药领域有着巨大潜力。小干扰RNA(si RNA)作为RNA干扰技术的重要效应分子,在治疗类风湿关节炎方面具有巨大潜力。本文综述了siRNA递送系统用于治疗类风湿关节炎的最新研究进展,阐明了基于siRNA纳米给药系统治疗类风湿关节炎的优势,并展望了未来siRNA递送的发展方向。

RNAi技术在马铃薯害虫防控中的应用和风险

害虫对农作物的危害严重威胁全球粮食安全,为满足日益增长的全球粮食需求,迫切需要安全有效的害虫绿色防控技术。RNAi技术(RNA interference)又叫RNA干扰技术,是一种转录后调控基因沉默的分子生物学技术,其原理是基于由19-25对核苷酸组成的小分子双链RNA与目标靶基因mRNA结合并引发mRNA降解,从而导致靶基因沉默。目前RNAi技术已被广泛应用于农作物害虫治理,在针对马铃薯靶标害虫方面,主要研究集中在防控鞘翅目、半翅目、鳞翅目害虫。2023年12月22日,世界上首款RNAi生物农药正式批准商业化,用于防控抗药性日益严重、国际公认的马铃薯重要毁灭性检疫害虫马铃薯甲虫,是世界上首款被允许在农作物上商业使用的可喷洒RNA生物农药,对马铃薯害虫的绿色防控具有划时代的里程碑意义。基于RNAi技术的产品被用于农业害虫防控的同时,仍需考虑其抗药性、脱靶效应和对环境安全的潜在风险。本文以RNAi技术在马铃薯害虫防控应用的可行性、RNAi技术在马铃薯害虫防控中的应用以及潜在的风险等方面进行了综述,以期阐述RNAi技术在马铃薯害虫防控中的应用现状与前景,为RNAi技术纳入防控马铃薯害虫综合治理体系提供理论参考。

Lentivirus vectors construction of SiRNA targeting interference GPC3 gene and its biological effects on liver cancer cell lines Huh-7

Objective:To build GPC3 gene short hairpin interference RNA(shRNA)slow virus veclor.observe expression of Huh-7 GPC3 gene in human liver cell line proliferation apoptosis and the effect of GPC3 gene influencing on liver cancer cell growth,and provide theoretical basis for genc therapy of liver cancer.Methods:Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh-7 wsa transfected by a RNA interference technique.GPC3 gene expression in a variety of liver cancer cell lines was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR.Targeted GPC3 gene seqnences of small interfering RNA(siRNA)PGC-shRNA-GPC3 were restructured.Stable expression cell linse of siRNA were screened and established with the heplp of liposomes(lipofectamine^(TM2000))as carrier transfcetion of human liver cell lines.In order to validate siRNA interference efficiency.GPC3 siRNA mRNA expression was detected after transfection by using RT-PCR and Western blot.The absorbance value of the cells of blank group,untransfection group and transfection group,the cell cycle and cell apoptosis were calculated,and effects of GPC3 gene nn Huh-7 cell proliferation and apoptosis were observed.Results:In the liver cancer cell lines Huh-7 GPC3 gene showed high expression.PGC-shRNA-GPC3 recombinant plasmid was constructde successfully via sequencing validation.Stable recombinant plasmid transfected into liver cancer cell linse Huh-7can obviously inhibit GPC3 mRNA expression level.Conclusions:The targeted GPC3 siRNA can effectively inhibit the expression of GPC3.

miRNA对褐飞虱鞘脂质代谢基因表达的影响及沉默NlSPT1和Nl SMase4的small RNA分析

【背景】鞘脂质是第二大类膜脂,作为信号转导物质参与细胞生长发育、繁殖及凋亡等过程。鞘脂质代谢酶调控鞘脂质代谢以维持生物体内代谢的稳态。【目的】以重要水稻害虫褐飞虱(Nilaparvata lugens)为研究对象,通过RNA干扰(RNA interference,RNAi)技术检测微小RNA(microRNA,miRNA)生物合成通路核心组分NlAgo1、NlDicer1和NlDrosha沉默后褐飞虱鞘脂质代谢通路相关基因的相对转录水平,结合small RNA测序分析沉默丝氨酸棕榈酰转移酶1(serine palmitoyltransferase 1,SPT1)和鞘磷脂酶4(sphingomyelinase 4,SMase4)基因的差异miRNA,探究miRNA在褐飞虱鞘脂质代谢中的作用,为害虫防治提供新的分子靶标。【方法】利用RNAi技术,分别对羽化后第1天(1 PAE,post adult eclosion)的雌成虫NlAgo1、NlDicer1和NlDrosha进行dsRNA注射,以ds GFP为对照;分别解剖羽化后第5天的卵巢组织,以β-actin作为内参基因,采用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)方法检测NlAgo1、NlDicer1和NlDrosha沉默后鞘脂质代谢通路相关基因的表达量变化;根据已有的小RNA文库联合miRNA-靶基因预测软件对可能调控NlSPT1和NlSMase4表达的miRNA进行预测;通过small RNA测序技术对沉默NlSPT1和NlSMase4的差异miRNA进行鉴定和靶基因富集性分析。【结果】与对照组相比,沉默NlAgo1、NlDicer1或NlDrosha显著上调卵巢中NlSPT1和NlSMase4等鞘脂质代谢通路相关基因的表达;靶基因预测结果显示,有6条miRNA能与NlSPT1结合,13条miRNA能与NlSMase4结合;沉默NlSPT1和NlSMase4的差异miRNA的靶基因显著富集在细胞核和蛋白质结合等生物学过程以及内吞作用、内质网加工、MAPK信号通路、TOR信号通路、凋亡、脂质代谢等代谢通路。【结论】NlAgo1、NlDicer1和NlDrosha依赖性的miRNA通过影响鞘脂质代谢相关基因的表达影响鞘脂质代谢。NlSPT1和NlSMase4沉默引起褐飞虱卵巢miRNA表达水平的改变。研究结果可为基于鞘脂质代谢基因为靶标的害虫防治提供理论依据。

Effects of RNA interference targeting transforming growth factor-beta 1 on immune hepatic fibrosis induced by Concanavalin A in mice

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is the most potent means of stimulating liver fibrogenesis by myofibroblast-like cells derived from hepatic stellate cells. Thus, TGF-beta 1 could be a target for treating hepatic fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of specific TGF-beta 1 small interference RNA (siRNA) on immune hepatic fibrosis induced by Concanavalin A (Con A) in mice. METHODS: Three short hairpin RNAs targeting different positions of TGF-beta 1 were designed and cloned to the plasmid pGenesil-1 to obtain three recombinant expression vectors (pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-ml, pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-m2 and pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-m3). Thirty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal, model, control, and three treatment groups. The immune hepatic fibrosis models were constructed by injecting Con A via the tail vein at 8 mg/kg per week for 6 weeks. At weeks 2, 4 and 6, pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-ml, pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-m2 or pGenesi1-TGF-beta 1-m3 was injected by a hydrodynamics-based transfection method via the tail vein at 0.8 ml/10 g within 24 hours after injection of Con A in each of the three treatment groups. The mice in the control group were injected with control plasmid pGenesil-HK at the same dose. All mice were sacrificed at week 7. The levels of hydroxyproline in liver tissue were determined by biochemistry. Liver histopathology was assessed by Van Gieson staining. The expression levels and localization of TGF-beta 1, Smad3, and Smad7 in liver tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of TGF-beta 1, Smad3, Smad7 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) mRNAs in the liver were assessed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: The levels of hydroxyproline in the liver tissue of the treatment groups were lower than those of the model group (P<0.01). Histopathologic assay showed that liver fibrogenesis was clearly improved in the treatment groups compared with the model group. The expression levels of TGF-beta 1 and Smad3 of liver tissue were also markedly lower in the treatment groups than in the model group (P<0.01), while the levels of Smad7 were higher in the treatment groups than in the model group (P<0.01). RT-PCR further showed that the expression of TGF-beta 1, Smad3 and alpha-SMA mRNA was significantly inhibited in the treatment groups compared with the model group, while the levels of Smad7 were increased. There was no difference in the above parameters among the three treatment groups or between the control and model groups (P>0.05), but the inhibitory effect of pGenesil-TGF-beta 1-ml was the highest among the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Specific siRNA targeting of TGF-beta 1 markedly inhibited the fibrogenesis of immune hepatic fibrosis induced by Con A in mice. The anti-fibrosis mechanisms of siRNAs may be associated with the down-regulation of TGF-beta 1, Smad3 and alpha-SMA expression and up-regulation of Smad7 expression in liver tissue, which resulted in suppressing the activation of hepatic stellate cells. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2009; 8: 300-308)

Preliminary experimental study of urethral reconstruction Nith tissue engineering and RNA interference techniques

This study investigated the feasibility of replacing urinary epithelial cells with oral keratinocytes and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） small interfering RNA （siRNA）-transfected fibroblasts seeded on bladder acellular matrix graft （BAMG） in order to reconstruct tissue-engineered urethra. Constructed siRNAs, which expressed plasmids targeting TGF-β1, were transfected into rabbit fibroblasts. The effective siRNA was screened out by RT-PCR and was transfected into rabbit fibroblasts again. Synthesis of type I collagen in culture medium was measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay （ELISA）. Autologous oral keratinocytes and TGF-β1 siRNA-transfected fibroblasts were seeded onto BAMGs to obtain a tissue-engineered mucosa. The tissue-engineered mucosa was assessed morphologically and with the help of scanning electron microscopy. The TGF-β1 siRNA decreased the expression of fibroblasts synthesis type I collagen. Oral keratinocytes and TGF-β1 siRNA-transfected fibroblasts were seeded onto sterilized BAMG to obtain a tissue-engineered mucosa for urethral reconstruction. The compound graft was assessed using scanning electron microscope. Oral keratinocytes and TGF-β1 siRNA-transfected fibroblasts had a good compatibility with BAMG. The downregulation of fibroblasts synthesis type I collagen expression by constructed siRNA interfering TGF-β1 provided a potential basis for genetic therapy of urethral scar. Oral keratinocytes and TGF-β1 siRNA-transfected fibroblasts had good compatibility with BAMG and the compound graft could be a new choice for urethral reconstruction.

Suppression of starch synthase I(SSI) by RNA interference alters starch biosynthesis and amylopectin chain distribution in rice plants subjected to high temperature

Based on known cDNAs of rice starch synthase isoforms,we constructed dsRNA interference vectors for starch synthase I(SSI)to produce transgenic plants containing starch with a moderately high amylose content.We investigated the effect of SSI suppression on grain quality traits,starch biosynthesis,and amylopectin chain distribution in rice plants exposed to two different temperature regimes.The activities and transcripts of BEs,DBEs,and other SS isoforms were further investigated to clarify the effect of SSI suppression on these key enzymes and their specific isoforms under different temperature treatments.Suppression of SSI by RNAi altered grain starch component and amylopectin chain distribution,but it exerted only a slight effect on total starch content(%)and accumulation amount(mg kernel?1)and on starch granule morphology and particle size distribution.Under normal temperature(NT),insignificant differences in kernel weight,chalky kernel proportion,chalky degree,and starch granule morphology between SSI-RNAi line and its wild type(WT)were observed.However,amylose content(AC)level and granule-bound starch synthase(GBSS)activity in rice endosperms were markedly increased by SSI-RNAi suppression.The chalky kernel proportion and chalky degree of SSIRNAi lines were significantly higher than those of WT under high temperature(HT)exposure at filling stage.Inhibition of SSI by RNAi affected amylopectin chain distribution and raised starch gelatinization temperature(GT)in two ways:directly from the SSI deficiency itself and indirectly by reducing BEIIb amounts in an SSI-deficient background.The deficiency of SSI expression led to an alteration in the susceptibility of grain chalkiness occurrence and starch gelatinization temperature to HT exposure,owing to a pleiotropic effect of SSI deficiency on the expression of other genes associated with starch biosynthesis.

Down-Regulated Expression of RACK1 Gene by RNA Interference Enhances Drought Tolerance in Rice

The receptor for activated C-kinase 1 （RACK1） is a highly conserved scaffold protein with versatile functions, and plays important roles in the regulation of plant growth and development. Transgenic rice plants, in which the expression of RACK1 gene was inhibited by RNA interference （RNAi）, were studied to elucidate the possible functions of RACK1 in responses to drought stress in rice. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of RACK1 in transgenic rice plants was inhibited by more than 50%. The tolerance to drought stress of the transgenic rice plants was higher as compared with the non-transgenic rice plants. The peroxidation of membrane and the production of malondialdehyde were significantly lower and the superoxide dismutase activity in transgenic rice plants was significantly higher than those in non-trangenic rice plants It is suggested that RACK1 negatively regulated the redox system-related tolerance to drought stress of rice plants.

RNA interference and antiviral therapy

RNA interference (RNAi) is an evolutionally conserved gene silencing mechanism present in a variety of eukaryotic species. RNAi uses short double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to trigger degradation or translation repression of homologous RNA targets in a sequence-specific manner. This system can be induced effectively in vitro and in vivo by direct application of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), or by expression of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) with non-viral and viral vectors. To date, RNAi has been extensively used as a novel and effective tool for functional genomic studies, and has displayed great potential in treating human diseases, including human genetic and acquired disorders such as cancer and viral infections. In the present review, we focus on the recent development in the use of RNAi in the prevention and treatment of viral infections. The mechanisms, strategies, hurdles and prospects of employing RNAi in the pharmaceutical industry are also discussed.

Rice Repetitive DNA Sequence RRD3:a Plant Promoter and Its Application to RNA Interference

Previously, a moderately repetitive DNA sequence （RRD3） was cloned from rice （Oryza sativa L.） by DNA renaturation kinetics. Sequence analysis revealed several conserved promoter motifs, including four TATA-boxes and a CAAT-box, and promoter activity was shown in Escherichia coli and mammalian expression systems. Here, we inserted the RRD3 fragment into the plant promoter-capture vector, pCAMBIA1391Z, and examined whether the RRD3 fragment has promoter activity in plants. Transgenic tobacco and rice calli both showed β-glucuronidase （GUS） activity, indicating that RRD3 can act as a promoter in both monocot and dicot plants. Based on the promoter characteristic of RRD3, we designed a plant universal binary vector, pCRiRRD3, which is suitable for performing researches on plant RNA interference. This vector has two multiple cloning sites to facilitate sense and antisense cloning of the target sequence, separated by an intron fragment of 200 bp. The efficiency of the vector for gene silencing was assayed by histochemical and quantitative fluorometric GUS assays in transgenic tobacco. These research results suggested that this plant RNAi vector pCRiRRD3 can effectively perform gene silencing researches on both monocot and dicot plants.

RNA interference mediated silencing of α-synuclein in MN9D cells and its effects on cell viability

Objective To silence the expression of α-synuclein in MN9D dopaminergic cells using vector mediated RNA interference （RNAi） and examined its effects on cell proliferation and viability. Methods We identified two 19-nucleotide stretches within the coding region of the α-synuclein gene and designed three sets of oligonucleotides to generate doublestranded （ds） oligos. The ds oligos were inserted into the pENTR^TM/Hl/TO vector and transfected into MN9D dopaminergic cells, α-Synuclein expression was detected by RT-PCR, real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry staining and Western blot. In addition, we measured cell proliferation using growth curves and cell viability by 3-（4, 5）-dimethylthiahiazo （-z-y 1）-3, 5-diphenytetrazoliumromide （M＇FF）. Results The mRNA and protein levels of α-synuclein gene were significantly down-regulated in pSH2/α-SYN-transfected cells compared with control MN9D and pSH/CON-transfected MN9D cells, while pSHI/α-SYN- transfected cells showed no significant difference. Silencing α-synuclein expression does not affect cell proliferation but may decrease cell viability. Conclusion Our results demonstrated pSH2/α-SYN is an effective small interfering RNA （siRNA） sequence and potent silencing of mouse α-synuclein expression in MN9D cells by vector-based RNAi, which provides the tools for studying the normal function of α-synuclein and examining its role in Parkinson＇s disease （PD） pathogenesis. α-Synuclein may be important for the viability of MN9D cells, and loss of α-synuclein may induce cell injury directly or indirectl

Inhibition of hepatitis B virus expression and replication by RNA interference in HepG2.2.15

AIM： To observe the inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication and expression by transfecting vector-based small interference RNA （siRNA） pGenesiI-HBV X targeting HBV X gene region into HepG2.2.15 cells. METHODS：pGenesil-HBV X was constructed and transfected into HepG2.2.15 cells via lipofection. HBV antigen secretion was determined 24, 48, and 72 h after transfection by time-resolved immunofluorometric assays （TRFIA）. HBV replication was examined by fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the expression of cytoplasmic viral proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： The secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg into the supernatant was found to be inhibited by 28.5% and 32.2% （P 〈 0.01）, and by 38.67% （P 〈 0.05） and 42.86% （P 〈 0.01） at 48 h and 72 h after pGenesil-HBV X transfection, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining for cytoplasmic HBsAg showed a similar decline in HepG2.2.15 cells 48 h after transfection. The number of HBV genomes within culture supernatants was also significantly decreased 48 h and 72 h post-transfection as quantified by fluorescence PCR （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： In HepG2.2.15 cells, HBV replication and expression is inhibited by vector-based siRNA pGenesil- HBV X targeting the HBV X coding region.

PPM1D Silencing by Lentiviral-mediated RNA Interference Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion of Human Glioma Cells

To construct a lentiviral shRNA vector targeting human protein phosphatase 1D magnesium-dependent（PPM1D） gene and detect its effectiveness of gene silencing in human gliomas,specific siRNA targets with short hairpin frame were designed and synthesized.DNA oligo was cloned into the pFU-GW-iRNA lentiviral expression vector,and then PCR and sequencing analyses were conducted to verify the constructs.After the verified plasmids were transfected into 293T cells,the lentivirus was produced and the titer of virus was determined.Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the PPM1D expression level in the infected glioma cells.PCR and Western blot analyses revealed the optimal interfering target,and the virus with a titer of 6×10^8 TU/mL was successfully packaged.The PPM1D expression in human glioma cells was knocked down at both mRNA and protein levels by virus infection.The expression of PPM1D mRNA and protein was decreased by 76.3% and 87.0% respectively as compared with control group.The multiple functions of human glioma cells after PPM1D RNA interference were detected by flow cytometry and cell counting kit-8（CCK-8）.Efficient down-regulation of PPM1D resulted in significantly increased cell apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation and invasion potential in U87-MG cells.We have successfully constructed the lentiviral shRNA expression vector capable of stable PPM1D gene silencing at both mRNA and protein levels in glioma cells.And our data gave evidence that the reduced cell growth observed after PPM1D silencing in glioma cells was at least partly due to increased apoptotic cell death.