This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
RNA - Interference
What is RNA-interference?:
RNA-interefence, also referred to as RNAi, is a technique used to confirm the function of a targeted gene. This technique silences gene expression, usually by degrading the mRNA, and the effect of the missing expression is analyzed. This is also useful for researching the role of a certain gene in a disease that is associated with [1]. The mechanism by which this technique works is shown in a diagram below. There are also many databases that can be used to provide information about what organisms have had what genes knocked out, for example RNAi database.
RNA-interefence, also referred to as RNAi, is a technique used to confirm the function of a targeted gene. This technique silences gene expression, usually by degrading the mRNA, and the effect of the missing expression is analyzed. This is also useful for researching the role of a certain gene in a disease that is associated with [1]. The mechanism by which this technique works is shown in a diagram below. There are also many databases that can be used to provide information about what organisms have had what genes knocked out, for example RNAi database.
RNAi and CNGA3:
None of the RNAi databases showed any results for CNGA3 in any organisms.
Analysis of the lack of results: The lack of results that were found throughout the various RNAi databases demonstrates that more research could be done in this area. However, in the literature there are RNAi knockout organisms discussed. There are articles that show that mice and zebrafish have both successfully had CNGA3 knocked out [2,3]. Many experiments have been done with the CNGA3-/- mice, where as the knockout zebrafish was just briefly mentioned. In the CNGA3 knock out mice, phenotypes associated with Achromatopsia were observed (day blindness, light sensitivity, etc.).
None of the RNAi databases showed any results for CNGA3 in any organisms.
Analysis of the lack of results: The lack of results that were found throughout the various RNAi databases demonstrates that more research could be done in this area. However, in the literature there are RNAi knockout organisms discussed. There are articles that show that mice and zebrafish have both successfully had CNGA3 knocked out [2,3]. Many experiments have been done with the CNGA3-/- mice, where as the knockout zebrafish was just briefly mentioned. In the CNGA3 knock out mice, phenotypes associated with Achromatopsia were observed (day blindness, light sensitivity, etc.).
Resources:
[1] http://www.lifetechnologies.com/us/en/home/life-science/rnai/rna-interference-overview.html
[2] Claes E, Seeliger M, Michalakis S, Biel M, Humphrie P, Haverkamp S (2004) Morphological characterization of the retina of the CNGA3(-/-)Rho(-/-) mutant mouse lacking functional cones and rods. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 45:2039-2048.
[3] Viringipurampeer, IA, et al. “Rip knockdown rescues photoreceptor cell death in blind pde6c zebra fish” Cell death and differentiation (2014), 1-11.
[1] http://www.lifetechnologies.com/us/en/home/life-science/rnai/rna-interference-overview.html
[2] Claes E, Seeliger M, Michalakis S, Biel M, Humphrie P, Haverkamp S (2004) Morphological characterization of the retina of the CNGA3(-/-)Rho(-/-) mutant mouse lacking functional cones and rods. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 45:2039-2048.
[3] Viringipurampeer, IA, et al. “Rip knockdown rescues photoreceptor cell death in blind pde6c zebra fish” Cell death and differentiation (2014), 1-11.