RNAi screening of rat druggable genes using state-of-the-art siRNA design

QIAGEN, the market leader in genomewide siRNA sets, has launched the world’s first Rat Druggable Genome siRNA Set V1.0. This set enables potent and specific knockdown of ~6000 rat genes which correspond to human genes of potential therapeutic value.

siRNAs are designed using cutting-edge HP OnGuard siRNA Design which incorporates an innovative neural-network, proprietary homology analysis, and advanced design features based on the most up-to-date knowledge about the mechanism of RNAi. Subsets targeting 426 GPCR genes, 738 kinase genes, or 198 phosphatase genes are also available.

HP OnGuard siRNA Design includes an artificial neural-network for selection of highly potent siRNAs and stringent homology analysis to ensure specificity. Additional features include design of siRNAs to target the most up-to-date sequences from NCBI, 3' UTR/seed region analysis, SNP avoidance, and interferon motif avoidance. siRNA design is reinforced using the results from QIAGEN’s validation project in which thousands of siRNAs have been tested for effectiveness by real-time RT-PCR. Data from Affymetrix^® GeneChip^® analysis is used to minimize the potential for off-target effects.

The Rat Druggable Genome siRNA Set V1.0 is provided in flexible scales and formats to suit specific screening requirements. siRNAs are provided as individual siRNAs or pools for maximum flexibility. Either 2 or 4 individual siRNAs can be ordered for each gene at 0.25 nmol or 1 nmol scales allowing independent confirmation of phenotypes with multiple siRNAs. Alternatively, pools of 2 or 4 siRNAs can be ordered at a total of 0.5 nmol or 1 nmol respectively.

The Rat Druggable Genome siRNA Set V1.0 is provided with complete siRNA sequence disclosure at no extra cost. All rights to any invention or discovery developed by researchers using these sequences belong to the researcher, allowing complete freedom for discovery.