HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Open Biosystems, Inc., focused on the commercialization of leading-edge life science research tools for drug discovery, today announced the availability of new Decode(TM) RNAi viral screening pools for multiplexed RNAi screens. This novel offering allows researchers access to genome-scale RNAi screens and the ability to rapidly screen through thousands of genes at a time utilizing PCR and traditional sequencing.
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The first Decode RNAi viral screening set has been created using Open Biosystems’ GIPZ lentiviral shRNAmir library validated in its ability to produce effective knockdown even when expressed from a single integration event in target cells. This pooled screening set targets the entire human genome in a ready-to-use lentiviral pool format, extending RNAi screening to primary and non-dividing cells. The Decode RNAi product will be expanded to include shRNAmir pools providing choices in promoters, fluorescent markers and type of viral vector increasing the ability to perform genome scale RNAi screening in all cell types and assays.
Two recent publications from Dr. Greg Hannon and Dr. Steve Elledge, developers of the shRNAmir technology for RNAi, display the power of multiplexed RNAi screening using shRNAmir pools. They were able to identify genes that are selectively required by certain cancer cells but not by normal cells. Identification of selective vulnerabilities in specific cancer cells is key to the development of alternative cancer therapeutics.
Dr. Ricky Johnstone, Group Leader of Gene Regulation at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center said, “As beta users of the Open Biosystems’ Decode RNAi viral pools, we are very happy with its convenient format, knockdown performance in multiplexed RNAi screens, as well as, its ability to transduce many different cell lines. Researchers at the Peter Mac are very excited about the possibilities of being able to comb through thousands of genes at a time to further our understanding of cancer biology and ultimately the search for novel cancer therapeutics.”
“The Decode RNAi pooled libraries take RNAi screening to the bench top,” said Troy Moore, Chief Technology Officer at Open Biosystems. “Until now, genome-scale RNAi screens could only be performed by large labs or institutions that had spent millions of dollars in equipment and reagents. The Decode RNAi viral screening pools makes it possible for individual laboratories to do these studies without the labor and high cost of robotics. Open Biosystems continues to arm the research community with the RNAi tools necessary to propel research efforts to the next level. The Decode RNAi viral screening pools give researchers at all levels access to genome-scale RNAi screens that may lead to novel therapeutics and treatment options for human disease.”
Decode RNAi viral screening pools are available immediately as single use screening kits for positive selection screening. For additional information, please contact info@openbiosystems.com.
About Open Biosystems
Open Biosystems, Inc. develops manufactures and markets genomic research tools to scientists and researchers in corporate, academic and government laboratories. These research tools provide investigators with standardized high-quality genes, RNAi and antibodies for interrogating gene function in relation to oncology, neuroscience and metabolic disorders. Founded in 2001, Open Biosystems is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. For more information and details for ordering, please visit: www.openbiosystems.com.
CONTACT: Gwen Fewell +1-256-319-1489, gwen.fewell@openbiosystems.com; or
Troy Moore, +1-256-319-1462, troy.moore@openbiosystems.com, both of Open
Biosystems, Inc.
Web site: http://www.openbiosystems.com/