High-throughput RNAi screening for the identification of novel targets

Methods Mol Biol. 2013:986:89-95. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-311-4_6.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Gene Library
  • Genomics / methods*
  • HeLa Cells
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering / analysis*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • Transfection

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering