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The Design, Selection, and Evaluation of Highly Specific and Functional siRNA Incorporating Unlocked Nucleobase Analogs

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siRNA Design

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 942))

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Abstract

The efficient and specific silencing of genes via RNA interference (RNAi) for functional genomics and therapeutics depends on careful consideration of the factors that affect the functionality of small interfering RNA (siRNA). These factors include (1) the length of sequence available for siRNA targeting of an mRNA, (2) the structural and thermodynamic properties of target and siRNA sequences, (3) the mechanisms of siRNA off-target effects, and (4) the susceptibility of siRNA degradation when exposed to nucleases in serum and inside cells. Incorporation of Unlocked Nucleobase analogs (UNAs) in the siRNA design offers an attractive approach to design highly efficacious siRNAs with dramatically reduced off-target activity. Here, we describe methods and principles pertaining to the design, selection and screening of optimal siRNAs containing UNA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vaish Biotech Consulting, Kirkland, WA, USA

    Narendra Vaish

  2. Evergreen Neuroscience Institute, Kirkland, WA, USA

    Pinky Agarwal

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  1. Narendra Vaish
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  2. Pinky Agarwal
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Correspondence to Narendra Vaish .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, West Drive 450, Chapel Hill, 27599, North Carolina, USA

    Debra J. Taxman

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Vaish, N., Agarwal, P. (2013). The Design, Selection, and Evaluation of Highly Specific and Functional siRNA Incorporating Unlocked Nucleobase Analogs. In: Taxman, D. (eds) siRNA Design. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 942. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-119-6_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-119-6_6

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-118-9

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