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High-Throughput RNAi Screening for the Identification of Novel Targets

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Target Identification and Validation in Drug Discovery

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 986))

Abstract

Gene silencing through RNA interference has provided researchers with an effective way to study gene function. High-throughput RNA interference (HT-RNAi) screening has further permitted researchers to identify functionally relevant mediators of cellular response on a large scale. These screens have greatly expedited the discovery of novel targets and pathway mediators. Here, we describe the methodology for performing HT-RNAi screening of HeLa cells transfected with short interfering RNA (siRNA) libraries in 384-well microplate format. Using this plate format, the HT-RNAi assay can be easily adapted to semi-automated or fully automated platforms. The library siRNA are introduced into the cells through reverse transfection using cationic lipids. HT-RNAi screening for modulators of cell proliferation can be accomplished using a single read out reagent. This type of RNAi screening can be used with most plate-based cellular assays and can be optimized for most cultured cells lines, thus becoming a powerful tool to identify specific gene modulators and targets for drug discovery.

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Henderson, M.C., Azorsa, D.O. (2013). High-Throughput RNAi Screening for the Identification of Novel Targets. In: Moll, J., Colombo, R. (eds) Target Identification and Validation in Drug Discovery. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 986. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-311-4_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-311-4_6

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-310-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-311-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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