Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Prediction and Validation of Gene Regulatory Elements Activated During Retinoic Acid Induced Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
Published on: June 21, 2016
Upregulation of RECK gene expression by small double-stranded RNA targeting the promoter region
F Sakurai1, Y Nanjo2, S Okamoto2
11] Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka Univeristy, Osaka, Japan [2] Laboratory of Regulatory Sciences for Oligonucleotide Therapeutics, Clinical Drug Development Unit, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
Recent studies have demonstrated that small double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) complementary to the promoter region of target genes enhance the expression of those genes following transfection into cells. Here we show that expression of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor RECK is activated in the cultured tumor cell lines by transfection with dsRNA complementary to the promoter of the RECK gene, leading to suppression of the expression of MMPs and it inhibited tumor cell invasion. These results support the suggestion that dsRNA complementary to the promoter region of tumor suppressor genes would have potential as a novel antitumor agent.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
RNA Polymerase II Accessory Proteins
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Transcriptional Regulation: Riboswitches
Leaky Scanning
What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...

