Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:30
RNAi Interference by dsRNA Injection into Drosophila Embryos
Published on: April 11, 2011
Protocol for gene knockdown in Trichoplax adhaerens using a silica nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference technique
Qiuyao Guo1, Wanqing Li1, Weiqiang Zheng2
1Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
STAR Protocols
|April 3, 2026
Summary
We developed a new method for gene knockdown in Trichoplax adhaerens using silica nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference (RNAi). This technique achieves efficient gene silencing, offering a valuable tool for studying gene function in this organism.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Trichoplax adhaerens is a simple multicellular organism.
- Understanding gene function in T. adhaerens is crucial for evolutionary studies.
- Existing methods for gene manipulation in T. adhaerens are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reliable protocol for gene knockdown in Trichoplax adhaerens.
- To utilize silica nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) for gene silencing.
- To enable efficient and reproducible suppression of target gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of silica nanoparticles.
- Assembly of RNA interference (RNAi) complexes.
- Delivery of RNAi complexes to live Trichoplax adhaerens specimens.
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for assessing transcript knockdown efficiency.
Main Results:
- A reproducible protocol for gene knockdown in T. adhaerens was established.
- Silica nanoparticle-mediated RNAi achieved transcript knockdown efficiencies of approximately 50%-70%.
- The method allows for targeted suppression of gene expression.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol provides an effective means for gene knockdown in T. adhaerens.
- This technique facilitates functional genomic studies in Trichoplax adhaerens.
- The RNAi approach using silica nanoparticles is a promising tool for gene expression manipulation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23RNA Interference
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...
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...
01:23RNA Interference
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...
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...
02:30siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
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 ATP-dependent...
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 ATP-dependent...
02:15Experimental RNAi
RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...