Optimization of light activated RNA interference through site specific modifications

BIOL 141

Samit Shah, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri, Kansas City, 5005 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110 and Simon H. Friedman, friedmans@umkc.edu, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 5005 Rockhill Road, Room 108, Katz Hall, Kansas City, MO 64110.
Control of RNA interference using light can allow us to control the spatial and temporal expression patterns of genes in living cells. We have previously demonstrated that RNA interference by siRNA can be partially modulated through randomly incorporated photo-caging groups. Our interest is to develop a system that completely abolishes the activity of modified siRNA in the absence of light and completely regains its activity upon irradiation with light. One way of accomplishing this is to target key locations on siRNA that can completely block RNA interference until irradiation releases completely active siRNA. We have specifically examined 5' anti-sense phosphate modifications for light control of RNA interference based on literature precedence that the 5' phosphate can not be modified without completely abrogating RNA interference. We will describe in detail the extent to which RNA interference is modulated through temporary blocking of siRNA/RISC interactions by targeting key positions on the siRNA.

 

Chemistry and Metabolism
4:30 PM-6:30 PM, Tuesday, 12 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, 11 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Sci-Mix

Division of Biological Chemistry

The 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, September 10-14, 2006