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Related Concept Videos

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

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Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
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Single-Strand DNA Binding Proteins01:03

Single-Strand DNA Binding Proteins

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For successful DNA replication, the unwinding of double-stranded DNA must be accompanied by stabilization and protection of the separated single strands of the DNA. This crucial task is performed by single-strand DNA-binding (SSB) proteins. They bind to the DNA in a sequence-independent manner, which means that the nitrogenous bases of the DNA need not be present in a specific order for binding of SSB proteins to it. The binding of SSB proteins straightens single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and makes...
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RNA Interference01:23

RNA Interference

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RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
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Protein Complex Assembly02:41

Protein Complex Assembly

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Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types.  Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
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Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules02:35

Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules

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Noncovalent attractions are associations within and between molecules that influence the shape and structural stability of complexes. These interactions differ from covalent bonding in that they do not involve sharing of electrons.
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piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs02:57

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

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PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...
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Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Single-step Purification of Macromolecular Complexes Using RNA Attached to Biotin and a Photo-cleavable Linker
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Single stranded siRNA complexation through non-electrostatic interactions.

Lucie Giraud1, Warren Viricel1, Jeanne Leblond1

  • 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.

Biomaterials
|November 9, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Single-stranded small interfering RNA (ss-siRNA) can bind to nanocarriers via non-electrostatic interactions, including hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding. Exploiting these interactions can lead to safer, less toxic nanocarrier designs for gene silencing.

Keywords:
Hydrogen bondingHydrophobic interactionsSingle stranded RNASurfaces Forces Apparatus

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Identification of RNAs Engaged in Direct RNA-RNA Interaction with a Long Non-Coding RNA
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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Single-stranded small interfering RNA (ss-siRNA) shows gene silencing potential but needs effective delivery systems.
  • Understanding ss-siRNA complexation with nanocarriers is crucial for optimizing delivery.
  • Current nanocarrier designs often rely on electrostatic interactions for ss-siRNA complexation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the fundamental interactions driving ss-siRNA complexation with various nanocarrier surfaces.
  • To explore the role of non-electrostatic interactions in ss-siRNA binding to nanocarriers.
  • To inform the design of safer and more effective ss-siRNA delivery systems.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Surface Forces Apparatus (SFA) to probe interactions between ss-siRNA and surfaces of diverse compositions (hydrophilic, hydrophobic, charged).
  • Employed SYBR® Gold cyanine dye to detect ss-siRNA binding to non-cationic nanocarriers (micelles, liposomes).
  • Analyzed ss-siRNA binding strength and conformation based on surface interaction types.

Main Results:

  • ss-siRNA adsorbs onto hydrophilic (positive/negative charge) and hydrophobic surfaces, indicating complexation via electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen bonding interactions.
  • Binding strength and ss-siRNA conformation are dependent on the specific ss-siRNA-surface interactions.
  • Non-electrostatic interactions between ss-siRNA and nanocarriers were confirmed, potentially affecting encapsulation quantification using SYBR® Gold dye.

Conclusions:

  • Non-electrostatic interactions (hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding) play a significant role in ss-siRNA complexation with nanocarriers.
  • These findings suggest that non-electrostatic interactions can complement electrostatic forces in nanocarrier design.
  • Utilizing uncharged or anionic nanocarriers, leveraging these interactions, may lead to reduced toxicity compared to cationic carriers.