U.S. researchers uncover West Nile's targets Aug 7, 2008
To find out exactly which of those processes were involved in an infection, the research team used a technique called global RNA interference targeting strategy. Using tiny snippets of small interfering RNA, scientists are now able to disable individual genes and thereby assess their function. (Xinhuanet, China)
Biotech firm MDRNA cuts staff Aug 5, 2008
Since then the company has refocused itself on RNA interference research. Reader Comments. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Evidence of the role of tick subolesin in gene expression Aug 3, 2008
Two subolesin-interacting proteins were identified and characterized by yeast two-hybrid screen, co-affinity purification and RNA interference (RNAi). The effect of subolesin knockdown on the tick gene expression pattern was characterized by microarray analysis and demonstrated that subolesin RNAi affects the expression of genes involved in multiple cellular pathways. (BioMed Central)
Class of antibiotics can enhance gene-silencing tool Jul 21, 2008
Doctors envision the technique, called RNA interference, as a tool to treat a variety of diseases if it can be adapted to humans. Emory University researchers have discovered that antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones can make RNA interference more effective in the laboratory and reduce potential side effects ... The most powerful enhancer of RNA interference was enoxacin, which has been used to treat gonorrhea and urinary tract infections. (EurekAlert!)
Alfacell Receives NASDAQ Non-Compliance Notification Jul 19, 2008
About Alfacell Corporation Alfacell Corporation is the first company to advance a biopharmaceutical product candidate that works in a manner similar to RNA interference (RNAi) through late-stage clinical trials. The product candidate, ONCONASE, is an RNase that overcomes the challenges of targeting RNA for therapeutic purposes while enabling the development of a new class of targeted therapies for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. (PR Newswire)
CSHL scientists correlate enzyme expression levels with chemotherapy drug response Jul 19, 2008
The premise of the CSHL team's experiments was to find short RNA molecules that, via a mechanism called RNA interference, or RNAi, could regulate the gene or genes responsible for the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment. The practical question for the team was which short RNAs, precisely, would have this effect. (EurekAlert!)
Mass. gets $9.2m as drug maker settles with states Jul 16, 2008
extends multiyear alliance with Alnylam Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. plans to disclose today that Swiss drug maker Novartis AG has decided to extend its multiyear alliance with the Cambridge company that specializes in RNA interference, a way to block the expression of key genes linked to diseases. When the deal was initially signed in 2005, the companies said it could ultimately be worth $700 million. (Boston Globe)
Global catastrophic risks Jul 15, 2008
As scientists gain deeper insights into the genetic processes that underlie life, they are able to effectively reprogram human biology through the development of new forms of gene therapies and medications capable of turning on or off enzymes and RNA interference, or gene silencing. "Biology and health and medicine used to be hit or miss," said Kurzweil. (CNN -- International)
Genes That Control Embryonic Stem Cell Fate Identified Jul 14, 2008
The scientists used a powerful technique known as RNA interference, or RNAi, to screen more than 1,000 genes for their role in mouse embryonic stem cells. The technique allows researchers to "knock down" individual genes, reducing their abundance in order to determine the gene's normal role. (Science Daily)
Researchers reveal types of genes necessary for brain development Jul 8, 2008
Dr. Katharine Sepp and her fellow researchers took fresh neuronal cells extracted from embryos of the fruit fly genus Drosophila and screened them using RNA interference techniques. The team tested all genes, one by one in a rapid manner, for their potential role in neuronal development. (EurekAlert!)
Suppression of local invasion of ameloblastoma by inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in vitro Jun 30, 2008
MMP-2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly inhibited by RNA interference (P<0. 05). (BioMed Central)
Gene Silencer And Quantum Dots Reduce Protein Production To A Whisper Jun 28, 2008
The Nobel Prize-winning finding holds tantalizing promise for medical science, but so far it has been difficult to apply the technique, known as RNA interference, in living cells ... In the body, RNA interference could be used to treat conditions ranging from breast cancer to deteriorating eyesight. (Science Daily)
The 21st century tomato Jun 28, 2008
In continuing research, Carrari and co-workers are using these methods, as well as RNA interference and transgenesis to map QMLs and to identify and utilize candidate genes that function at network nodes. These systems approaches make it possible to model the whole organism throughout its development. (EurekAlert!)
In the Arena: Life sciences initiative to become law Jun 26, 2008
The bill defines Life sciences as applied sciences that expand the understanding of human physiology and have the potential to lead to medical advances or therapeutic applications, including agricultural biotechnology, biogenerics, biomedical engineering, biopharmaceuticals, chemical synthesis, genomics, medical devices, proteomics, regenerative medicine, RNA interference, stem cell research, and veterinary science. Highlights of the bill are described below. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Jun 25, 2008
This "Achilles' heel screen" uses RNA interference to spot particularly vulnerable parts of cancer cells. "It allows you to inactivate one gene at a time in a cancer cell and then ask what happens," Staudt explained. (MEDLINEplus)
Ambrilia Validates its Targeted Delivery Technology for Cancer in Vivo Jun 19, 2008
In the past years, a number of oncogenes have been suppressed with RNA interference (RNAi), which can be achieved by siRNAs, showing the potential for therapeutic applications in humans. ADVERTISEMENT. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Stem cell researchers give old muscle new pep Jun 16, 2008
For a group of the old mice, the researchers disabled the "aging pathway" that tells stem cells to stop dividing by using an established method of RNA interference that reduced levels of pSmad3. The researchers then examined the muscle of the different groups of mice one to five days after injury to compare how well the tissue repaired itself. (EurekAlert!)
Shelton resident to study with Nobel Prize winning scientist Jun 14, 2008
Mello, along with Dr. Andrew Fire, is responsible for discovering RNA interference, a method of gene silencing using double-stranded RNA in cells. The mechanism may allow scientists to inhibit the expression of certain genes. (Valley News, CT)
Systems analysis of quantitative shRNA-library screens identifies regulators of cell adhesion Jun 13, 2008
High throughput screens with RNA interference technology enable loss-of-function analyses of gene activities in mammalian cells. While the construction of genome-scale shRNA libraries has been successful, results of large-scale screening of those libraries can be difficult to analyze because of the relatively high noise levels and the fact that not all shRNAs in a library are equally effective in silencing gene expression. (BioMed Central)
Inhalable Form Of Gene-therapy Takes Aim At Lung Cancer And Inflammatory Lung Disease Jun 11, 2008
In the article, Sally-Ann Cryan, Niamh Durcan, and Charlotte Murphy focus on research efforts to develop an inhalable form of RNA interference (RNAi), a gene-therapy technique that interferes with or "silences" genes that make disease-causing proteins. The authors explain that RNAi has advantages over other gene therapies. (Science Daily)
New Approach To Purifying Drinking Water Jun 9, 2008
The relatively new technology, known as RNA interference (RNAi), makes use of short snippets of genetic material that match -- like a lock and key -- a corresponding segment of a gene in the target. When these snippets enter a cell and attach to the corresponding segment, they can inhibit or block the action of the target gene. (Science Daily)
CSHL scientists trace causal link between a tumor suppressor gene and liver cancer Jun 4, 2008
Following the Signaling Pathway Using a mechanism called RNA interference to control the expression of specific genes, the team effectively turned the DLC1 "switch" on and off in living mice cells, and in so doing was able to isolate one particular signaling intermediary whose presence was both necessary and sufficient to set the cell on an uncontrolled growth path. This essential molecular intermediary is called RhoA. When the DLC1 gene is absent in a cell, RhoA is activated, effectively... (EurekAlert!)
Eating and weight gain not necessarily linked, study shows Jun 4, 2008
They took advantage of a powerful and relatively new technique known as RNA interference, or RNAi, which allowed them to inactivate hundreds of genes one at a time to determine the effect of these gene inactivations on serotonin's actions on fat regulation. "Obesity and thinness are not solely determined by feeding behavior," the scientists conclude in their paper. (EurekAlert!)
Tekmira Pharmaceuticals and Protiva Biotherapeutics Announce Completion of Business Combination Jun 2, 2008
The combined company, which will retain the name Tekmira, will be a global leader in the field of RNA interference ("RNAi") therapeutics. ADVERTISEMENT. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
New Insights Into Cellular Reprogramming Revealed By Genomic Analysis May 30, 2008
By identifying characteristic differences in the epigenetic maps and expression profiles of these partially reprogrammed cells, the researchers designed treatments using chemicals or RNA interference (RNAi) that were sufficient to drive them to a fully reprogrammed state. One of these treatments, involving the chemotherapeutic 5-azacytidine, could improve the overall efficiency of the reprogramming process by several hundred percent. (Science Daily)
Alnylam and Takeda strike $150m drug-licensing deal May 28, 2008
Alnylam, which made a similar deal with Swiss drug company Roche last summer, has attracted attention from major drug makers and investors alike for its early efforts to develop drugs through RNA interference technology, a way to "silence" nettlesome genes in the body that are thought to be associated with disease. In addition, Alnylam has smaller partnerships with , AG, and Cambridge-based Idec Inc.. (Boston Globe)
Alnylam May Gain $1 Billion From Takeda for Technology Licenses May 28, 2008
The agreement gives Takeda a foothold in RNA interference, a technique developed over the past 15 years for blocking human genes from making protein ... to form Regulus Therapeutics LLC. Regulus is developing drugs using another kind of RNA interference technology, called microRNAs, that can control several genes simultaneously. (Bloomberg)
New Treatments For Viral And Other Diseases By Blocking Genes May 28, 2008
However there is now the possibility of developing treatments potentially against all viral diseases through drugs based on the recently discovered phenomenon of RNA interference (RNAi), as was discussed at the ESF conference ... Although the basic mechanisms of RNA interference are now quite well understood, significant challenges remain in applying the technique in treatment of disease. (Science Daily)
Daily Briefing May 28, 2008
There is growing interest in development of so-called RNA interference technology from traditional pharmaceutical companies eager to supplement their slow-growing pipelines of drugs. Chemtura starts buyout talks. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Another potential $1B deal for RNAi drug technology May 28, 2008
There is growing interest in development of so-called RNA interference technology from traditional pharmaceutical companies eager to supplement their slow-growing pipelines of drugs. The most recent deal by Alnylam may quiet critics who thought Roche would be the only pharmaceutical willing to dig that deep into its pocket for yet another large upfront fee, Broadpoint Capital analyst Simos Simeonidis said in a research note. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Biotech Reigns At Wharton's Business Plan Contest May 26, 2008
To prevent the gene from causing blindness, iTherapeutics' drug would harness a biological mechanism called RNA interference, also known as RNAi or gene silencing. (Two American scientists won the Nobel Prize in 2006 for their discovery of RNAi. (Forbes)
RNA Toxicity Contributes To Neurodegenerative Disease, Scientists Say May 23, 2008
10, 2005) Scientists at the Ecole Polytechnique F;d;rale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland have used RNA interference in transgenic mice to silence a mutated gene that causes inherited cases of. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Former CMS Administrator: "'Blunt Instrument' Policies an Increasingly Bad Fit in Era of Personalized Health Care" May 17, 2008
McClellan commented on additional issues facing the current and future health care landscape: -- Recent rapid advancements in gene-based care such as proteomics and genomics, RNA interference, regenerative medicine and epigenetics are ushering in the "Biomedical Century" and introducing a sea change in personalized medicine that makes "all the spending worth it." -- A key driver of cost is not rising prices or an aging population; in fact, the key driver is simply more people getting more... (PR Newswire)
New Gene Discovery Suggests Which Patients CTI's Brostallicin May Benefit Apr 14, 2008
RNA interference is an experimental technique that allows for the targeted reductions of gene expression. A systematic evaluation of 7,000 genes was conducted in a cisplatin resistant variant of the ovarian cancer cell line A2780. (PR Newswire)
Should Genetic Modification And RNA Interference Be Used On Farm Animals? Apr 12, 2008
Should Genetic Modification And RNA Interference Be Used On Farm Animals ... Should Genetic Modification And RNA Interference Be Used On Farm Animals ... 11, 2008) A range of new technologies including genetic modification (GM) and RNA Interference are being deployed to improve the health of farm animals in a series of European and global initiatives. (Science Daily)
Development of patatin knockdown potato tubers using RNA interference (RNAi) technology, for the production of human-therapeutic glycoproteins Apr 3, 2008
In the present study, potato patatins were eliminated almost completely via RNA interference (RNAi) technology to develop potato tubers as a more efficient protein expression system ... The effects of RNA interference were characterized at both the protein and mRNA levels using 1D and 2D SDS/PAGE and quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis. (BioMed Central)
New study raises doubts over favored biotechnology method Apr 2, 2008
That field, called RNA interference, is supposed to provide a way to precisely turn off specific disease-causing genes ... Shares of Alnylam, a start-up specializing in RNA interference, are down more than 8 percent since then ... RNA interference is a natural mechanism used by organisms to render genes inactive - presumably the genes of invading pathogens. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Tekmira shares up 25 per cent after company prepares to merge with ... Apr 1, 2008
The two Vancouver-based companies will merge under the name Tekmira to develop novel delivery technology and nucleic acid drugs, including RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics ... The suit claims rights of certain drug delivery technology for small interfering RNA, the molecules that mediate RNA interference. (680 News)
Gene Silencing Therapies Could Have Harmful Side Effects, Research Suggests Mar 29, 2008
Ambati, professor and vice chair of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, and his colleagues have made a critical discovery that challenges the view that siRNA's therapeutic effects are imparted solely through RNA interference ... "RNA interference does, of course, exist," said Ambati, a University Research Professor and the Dr. E. Vernon Smith & Eloise C. Smith Endowed Chair in Macular Degeneration Research ... "It is just that siRNA functions... (Science Daily)
Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Presents Data on Improved Drug Delivery Technology at International RNAi Conference Mar 29, 2008
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 28, 2008) - Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation ("Tekmira") (TSX: - ) announced today that a new second-generation formulation of the Company's liposomal drug delivery technology has the potential to bring a 10-fold increase in potency to RNA interference (RNAi) drugs that are administered intravenously. ADVERTISEMENT. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Triumphs and tribulations for RNA interference Mar 27, 2008
But another study of how RNA interference (RNAi) works this time in mice casts some doubt over how well researchers understand the process, and suggests caution in pursuing the technique in people ... The miRNA molecule he and his team silenced, called miR-122, also plays a part in hepatitis C. They say they hope to start clinical trials of miRNA interference against this infection later this year. (Nature News Service)
Neuronal Regulators Offer Potential Targets For Cancer Mar 22, 2008
After uncovering this role, Westbrook used a technique called RNA interference (RNAi) to search for proteins that reduce REST levels. He reasoned that these proteins might promote tumor formation if expressed outside the nervous system. (Science Daily)
Can Cancer Causing Compounds Be Cut From Tobacco? Gene 'Knockout' Floors Tobacco Carcinogen Mar 20, 2008
To get initial lines of plants with the troublesome gene silenced, the NC State researchers used a technique called RNA interference in which genetic engineering was used to introduce a gene that inhibits the demethylase gene function into the tobacco plant ... Journal reference: Ramsey S. Lewis and Ralph E. Dewey, North Carolina State University; Anne M. Jack, Lily Gavilano, Balazs Siminszky and Lowell Bush, University of Kentucky; Jerry Morris, Vincent Robert and Alec Hayes, Philip Morris... (Science Daily)
Aedes aegypti uses RNA interference in defense against Sindbis virus infection Mar 18, 2008
RNA interference (RNAi) is an important anti-viral defense mechanism. The Aedes aegypti genome encodes RNAi component orthologs, however, most populations of this mosquito are readily infected by, and subsequently transmit flaviviruses and alphaviruses. (BioMed Central)
RNA Interference (RNAi) Mar 16, 2008
What is the Mechanism of RNA interference. One of the places where this form of gene regulation occurs naturally is in cellular defenses against infection by specific classes of viruses. (Suite101.com)
A protein that makes breast cancer spread Mar 15, 2008
To show that SATB1 was both necessary and sufficient for breast cancer metastasis, the team used a technique called RNA interference to remove it from highly aggressive cancer cells in mice. This inhibited tumour growth. (Nature News Service)
Alnylam says gene-blocker cut infection rate 38% Mar 1, 2008
Alnylam holds rights to make drugs using RNA interference, or RNAi, that can stop harmful genes from making proteins. (Bloomberg). (Boston Globe)
Data show a decline in cystic fibrosis since introduction of ... Feb 28, 2008
The work of UMMS researcher Craig Mello, PhD, an investigator of the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), and his colleague Andrew Fire, PhD, then of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, toward the discovery of RNA interference was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and has spawned a new and promising field of research, the global impact of which may prove astounding. UMMS is the academic partner of UMass Memorial Health Care, the largest health care... (EurekAlert (press release))
Technology's Grand Challenges for Engineering Feb 18, 2008
Breakthroughs in technologies such as RNA interference, involving inhibiting the functioning of genes, and gene therapy will allow us to flick genetic switches on and off and add new ones - putting an end to many illnesses and expanding lifespans, he added ... "We are rapidly learning the software programs called genes that underlie biology. We are understanding disease and aging processes as information processes, and are gaining the tools to reprogram them."RNA interference, for example,... (Telegraph.co.uk)
'Comps will beat human IQ by 2030' Feb 18, 2008
"We are understanding disease and ageing processes as information processes, and are gaining the tools to reprogramme them. RNA interference, for example, allows us to turn selected genes off, and new forms of gene therapy are enabling us to effectively add new genes. Within two decades, we will be in a position to stop and reverse the progression of disease and ageing resulting in dramatic gains in health and longevity," he added. Get personalised news stories on mobile. (Times of India)
Slow Calif. science plan a lesson for Mass. Feb 11, 2008
Another $500 million would support public research and education facilities, including a stem cell bank to be housed at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester and a research center focused on RNA interference, an area pioneered by UMass researcher Craig Mello. Unlike the Massachusetts proposal, California's stem cell plan didn't come from politicians. (Boston Globe)
2 Postdoctoral Positions Feb 8, 2008
We are also interested in possible infection-induced RNA interference processes on the eukaryotic host side. For further information about the RNA biology group visit. (Nature News Service)
State channels investment to biotech startup Sirnaomics Inc. Feb 8, 2008
The $50,000 will be used to help the year-old company develop drugs using RNA interference technology. RNA interference technology gives researchers the ability to switch disease-causing genes on and off. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Unsuspected Protein Determines Resistance To Breast Cancer Treatment Feb 6, 2008
Ashworth, Dr. Christopher J. Lord and colleagues used a sophisticated and highly selective loss-of-function RNA interference screening method to identify genes that, when silenced, cause tamoxifen resistance. The researchers identified Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 10 (CDK10) as a critical component of the response to tamoxifen and other therapies that target estrogen signaling. (Science Daily)
New iPhones, iPods introduced Feb 6, 2008
The company is focusing on RNA interference, a process of inhibiting the expression of genes associated with particular diseases. Amira Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline said they will collaborate on the development and commercialization of FLAP 5-lipoxygenase activating protein inhibitors for the treatment of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Genes Linked To Parkinson's Protection Identified Jan 26, 2008
Using a revolutionary technique known as RNA interference, or RNAi, Hamamichi removed, one at a time, the functions of each of the 867 genes from the tiny nematodes. This, Caldwell said, enabled the research team to investigate the impact the missing function would have on cellular processes. (Science Daily)
The RNA Drug Revolution: A New Approach To Gene Therapy Jan 24, 2008
23, 2008) RNA interference (RNAi) represents an innovative new strategy for using small RNA molecules to silence specific genes associated with disease processes, and a series of review articles describing the state-of-the-art and potential therapeutic applications of RNAi and microRNAs will begin with two review papers in the January 2008 issue of Human Gene Therapy ... At least six clinical trials using RNA interference (RNAi) have been approved, with many more coming down the pipeline,... (Science Daily)
RNA Biology Finding Makes Waves By Challenging Current Thinking Jan 23, 2008
19, 2000) Using genetically altered strains of the roundworm C. elegans, scientists have revealed some of the genetic components responsible for a still-mysterious cellular process called RNA interference. (Apr. (Science Daily)
Gene Responsible For Debilitating Blood Cell Disorder Discovered Jan 23, 2008
To explore this unconventional idea, the researchers used a powerful technique known as RNA interference, which partially eliminates, or knocks down , the activity of specific genes ... Another implication of the research is that the RNA interference-based approach used by Ebert and his colleagues can be readily adapted to a variety of other diseases ... Indeed, a broader application of RNA interference may lead to the discovery that other diseases, particularly cancers, stem from subtle, single... (Science Daily)
Study uncovers method for repressing deadly parasite Jan 21, 2008
Next, according to Petri, Linford used a new molecular technique called RNA interference, to block the protein. As a result, the parasite could not eat the dead cells and was unable to colonize and infect the colon. (The Cavalier Daily, VA)
Means Of Controlling A Parasite That Kills And Eats Human Cells Identified Jan 21, 2008
The team identified a particular protein on the surface of the ameba called a kinase, PATMK. Using a special technique called RNA interference to inhibit the actions of this kinase, they prevented the ameba from eating dead cells. "By blocking this kinase, we have for the first time prevented the ameba from colonizing and invading the gut," said Dr. Petri. (Science Daily)
Tracking down HIV propagation Jan 19, 2008
Using RNA interference (RNAi) to screen thousands of genes, researchers from Harvard Medical School have identified 273 human proteins required for HIV propagation. The vast majority had not been connected to the virus by previous studies. (Australian Life Scientist)
Cells That Promote Formation Of Lethal Lung Metastases Identified Jan 16, 2008
By using a technique called RNA interference, or RNAi, to block the expression of Id-1 in living animals, the team was able to prevent mobilization of EPCs to the site of metastasis, and thereby inhibit the angiogenic switch. This, in turn, interrupted the process in mice by which micrometastases are converted into lethal macrometastases. (Science Daily)
Proteins found that AIDS targets Jan 12, 2008
Led by geneticist Stephen Elledge of Brigham and Womens Hospital, the team used a technique called RNA interference that can disrupt a genes ability to do its job and make a protein. One by one, they disrupted thousands of human genes in test tubes, dropped in some HIV, and watched what happened. (MSNBC -- Health)
Reseachers Identify New Targets to Disrupt HIV Lifecycle Jan 12, 2008
" To find the 273 proteins that are part of the HIV life cycle, Elledge and his colleagues screened thousands of possibilities using a technique honored with a Nobel Prize a year ago, RNA interference, which can be used to effectively shut down one gene at a time within a cell. Then the researchers infected the cell with HIV to see if the virus could reproduce. "And we did this for over 20,000 human proteins, all the known, currently known proteins to figure out which ones might be important,"... (Voice of America)
