Quellos High Throughput Screening Core
RNA Interference Screening
The combination of RNA interference (RNAi) and high throughput screening (HTS) has opened a new frontier toward the unbiased discovery of genes essential for specific biological processes or disease states. Utilizing synthetic small RNA duplexes (siRNA) or small RNA hairpins (shRNA), the latter expressed from viral vectors, specific genes are inactivated within cells. This "loss of function" assay aids in pinpointing the role specific gene products play in cellular processes. Laboratory automation renders RNAi screening easily applicable to most cell types allowing for the rapid interrogation of gene function of the entire genomes of human, mouse or other model organisms. An added potential of RNAi screening is the identification of new drug targets for any disease for which a cell based model is available (e.g., cancer, neurological or cardiac diseases). Current offerings at the Quellos High Throughput Screening Core include sub-genomic siRNA screens targeting the kinome for pilot studies and the druggable genome for full scale screens.
Pilot screens
siRNAs targeting the human and mouse kinases (~800 genes) from SIGMA and Ambion. The libraries contain 3 siRNAs per target and they are pooled in a single well. Screens are routinely performed in 384 well format in triplicates. We also have the capability of utilizing 1,536 well plates in the case of limited biological material.
Full scale screens
siRNA libraries targeting the druggable genome (~8,000 genes) are available for both human and mouse (Source: Sigma and Ambion, respectively). Screens can be performed in 384 or 1,536 multiwell plates, depending on the biological material and screening assay.
siRNA Custom Collections
Some of our clients have desired custom collections of siRNAs for their research purposes. These clients have supplied us with material that we’ve setup for their screening endeavors. Some of these collections (e.g., a DNA Damage Repair Library) can be made available to others for their use. Please contact us for additional information.
Contact
James E. Annis
Research Scientist
Phone: 206-221-0923
E-mail: annisj@uw.edu
