RNA interference (RNAi) is a small RNA-guided gene silencing process within living cells. The RNAi technique is widely used in both biological research and clinical applications because it has the ability to knockdown essentially any gene of interest. However, one major unresolved issue in RNAi studies is non-specific gene silencing. It is well known that, in addition to the single intended gene target, many unintended targets are also simultaneously silenced. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new methods for improving RNAi specificity. RNAi specificity and potency are determined by the small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the silencing complex. We propose the hypothesis that gene silencing specificity can be significantly improved with rational siRNA design. We have previously developed a machine learning algorithm for the design of widely-distributed commercial siRNAs. Based on this commercial success, we propose to further develop a new method for genome-wide design of next-generation siRNAs with significantly reduced off-target effects. The new design method will lay a solid foundation for further commercial development of siRNA products that can be used in a variety of RNAi-based applications.

Public Health Relevance

RNA interference (RNAi) is a small RNA-guided gene silencing process within living cells. RNAi has many diverse applications as it can suppress almost any human genes by recognizing the gene sequence. We propose to remove a major hurdle in RNAi studies by genome-wide design of siRNAs with significantly improved gene silencing specificity.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Type
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants - Phase I (R41)
Project #
1R41HG008567-01A1
Application #
8978283
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Pillai, Ajay
Project Start
2015-09-22
Project End
2017-08-31
Budget Start
2015-09-22
Budget End
2016-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Nawgen, LLC
Department
Type
DUNS #
078644885
City
Saint Louis
State
MO
Country
United States
Zip Code
63108