RNA Interference (RNAi) Mediated Gene Silencing in Plants

As an industrial leader in genetic modification and engineering of plants, Lifeasible has acquired extensive experience and expert knowledge in RNA interference (RNAi) - the most common means of obtaining sequence-specific gene knockdown.

What Is RNAi?

RNAi introduces double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into target cells, resulting in rapid and precise impairment of endogenous gene functions. The quickness and general affordability of RNAi have advanced the frontier in plant engineering and crop improvement, leading to the discovery of function-enhanced novel crops, such as nicotine-free tobacco, non-allergenic peanuts, decaffeinated coffee, and nutrient fortified maize.

The RNAi pathway is initiated by the enzyme Dicer, which cleaves long dsRNA into 21-25 nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in target plants. Each siRNA is unwound into two single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs), of which the guide strand is incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex(RISC), followed by argonaute protein-induced target mRNA degradation or translation inhibition at the post-transcriptional level, or block of gene transcription through RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). The RNAi process also can be triggered by microRNA (miRNA) derived from shorter stem-loop RNA within cells through similar mechanisms.

Our Services

Lifeasible has developed a DNA-vector-based siRNA platform for facile and reliable gene silencing and phenotype modification. As we are committed to quality service and scientific excellence, a client-centric, collaborative approach is guaranteed to ensure that each project is given the attention it needs. Our featured one-stop services intend to accommodate the diverse needs of clients all over the world, including:

• Single and multi-cassette siRNA design for target mRNAs.
• siRNA design for target miRNA based on target mimicry technology.
• siRNA library design for genome-wide gene silencing.
• Custom siRNA vector design and construction available in both constitutive and tissue-specific promoter.
• Transformation in many model plant systems: Arabidopsis, wheat, maize, canola, rice, cotton, tobacco, and peanut.
• Phenotype and gene function analysis.

RNAi Service Workflow

For more information or to discuss in detail, please contact us.

Why Choose Lifeasible?