Improving the RNAi toolkit

RNA interference is widely used as the technology of choice to silence genes in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, it still needs improvements in terms of delivery, extending the duration of gene silencing, and side effect profile.

RNAi tool company Dharmacon Inc. (Lafayette, Colo.) last week launched its siSTABLE short interfering RNA technology to address some of these issues. According to the company, its technology enhances stability, potency and silencing longevity while decreasing cellular toxicity. The problem is important, as many in vivo studies need longer acting siRNA, especially with genes that have a slow expression rate...