Prnp knockdown in transgenic mice using RNA interference

Transgenic Res. 2008 Oct;17(5):783-91. doi: 10.1007/s11248-008-9179-2. Epub 2008 Mar 19.

Abstract

RNA interference has become a widely used approach to perform gene knockdown experiments in cell cultures and more recently transgenic animals. A designed miRNA targeting the prion protein mRNA was built and expressed using the human PRNP promoter. Its efficiency was confirmed in transfected cells and it was used to generate several transgenic mouse lines. Although expressed at low levels, it was found to downregulate the endogenous mouse Prnp gene expression to an extent that appears to be directly related with the transgene expression level and that could reach up to 80% inhibition. This result highlights the potential and limitations of the RNA interference approach when applied to disease resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line
  • DNA Primers
  • Down-Regulation
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • PrPC Proteins / genetics
  • Prion Proteins
  • Prions / genetics*
  • RNA Interference*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • MicroRNAs
  • PRNP protein, human
  • PrPC Proteins
  • Prion Proteins
  • Prions