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Microinjected dsRNA triggers a robust RNAi response in Stentor coeruleus
Makenna Kuecks1, Preeti Arra1, Sarah Hoffmann-Weitsman1
1Biology, Knox College, Galesburg, IL, US.
Micropublication Biology
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new RNA interference (RNAi) method for the ciliate Stentor coeruleus. Microinjection of double-stranded RNA offers a faster and more effective genetic tool for studying Stentor morphogenesis and regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Stentor coeruleus is a single-celled organism increasingly used in research.
- Studying Stentor is valuable for understanding morphogenesis, regeneration, and behavior.
- Current genetic manipulation in Stentor is limited, primarily using RNA interference (RNAi) by feeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate microinjection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as an effective genetic tool in Stentor coeruleus.
- To compare the efficiency and speed of microinjection RNAi with feeding-based RNAi.
Main Methods:
- Microinjection of long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into Stentor coeruleus cells.
- Utilizing dsRNA targeting the mob1 gene to observe phenotypic effects.
- Comparing the onset of phenotypes induced by microinjection versus feeding-based dsRNA delivery.
Main Results:
- Microinjection of long dsRNA effectively triggers a robust RNAi response in Stentor coeruleus.
- Phenotypic changes, such as those induced by mob1 dsRNA, appeared 24 hours earlier via microinjection compared to feeding.
- This method provides a faster alternative for genetic manipulation when feeding-based RNAi is insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Microinjection of dsRNA is a powerful and efficient new method for genetic manipulation in Stentor coeruleus.
- This technique expands the available genetic toolkit for Stentor research, particularly for experiments where rapid or specific gene silencing is needed.
- The enhanced speed of RNAi via microinjection facilitates more dynamic studies of gene function in Stentor.
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