siRNA, shRNA & miRNA

Vector-based small interference (siRNA) or short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) are useful tools for both transient and stable gene knockdown. Due to high transduction efficiency lentiviral vectors are the most efficient delivery vehicles available. By incorporating siRNA into lentiviral vectors, specific gene expression can be knocked-down by either plasmid transfection or lentiviral infection for any target cell. Another advantage of using lentiviral vector expressed siRNA is the efficient and stable expression of siRNA in both dividing and non-dividing cells, including even transfection-resistant cells such as primary cells.

For safety issues related to recombinant lentiviruses please refer to the guidance documents available at the site of Office of Biotechnology Activities (NIH).  Please click here.