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Vector-Based RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) is the best way to effectively knock down gene expression and study protein function in a wide range of cell types.  Using vectors to perform RNAi experiments greatly expands experimental possibilities beyond traditional small/short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). 
  • Vector technologies allow you to:
    • Achieve transient or stable target knockdown
    • Perform RNAi in any cell type, even hard to transfect, primary and non-dividing cells
    • Regulate gene inhibition with inducible RNAi expression
    • Select for a pure population of cells stably expressing an RNAi sequence
    • Control gene expression in vivo with tissue specific promoters


    Table 1. Comparison of RNAi vector technologies

    BLOCK-iT™ Pol II miR RNAi BLOCK-iT™ shRNA
    Pol II expression system Pol III expression system
    Polycistronic expression of miRNAs (chaining) Single shRNA expression per promoter
    Co-expression of GFP allows expression to be tracked Only delivery can be tracked (with separate expression cassette)
    Compatible with most Gateway® DEST vectors Compatible with BLOCK-iT™ DEST Vectors
    Best design success (>70%) Moderate design success (~50%)


Table 2.  Invitrogen’s RNAi vector products
Product Type Description Online Ordering
BLOCK-iT™ miR RNAi Select Pre-designed miR RNAi vector inserts for any organism Vector inserts: BLOCK-iT™ RNAi Express
Vector backbones: Invitrogen’s online catalog
BLOCK -iT™ Pol II miR Validated miRNA Vector DuoPak Validated miR RNAi constructs to human kinase genes Glycerol stocks: BLOCK-iT™ RNAi Express
Custom BLOCK-iT™ Pol II miR RNAi Vectors Custom miR RNAi vectors for any organism Vector inserts: BLOCK-iT™ RNAi Designer
Vector backbones: Invitrogen’s online catalog
BLOCK-iT™ shRNA Vectors Custom shRNA vectors for any organism Vector inserts: BLOCK-iT™ RNAi Designer
Vector backbones: Invitrogen’s online catalog
Controls for RNAi Vectors Transfection, positive and negative controls for every RNAi experiment Invitrogen’s online catalog

Ambion® pSilencer™ siRNA Expression Vectors
The pSilencer™ siRNA Expression Vector line includes several classic plasmid vectors with U6, H1, or CMV promoters. These systems include pre-cut vector, a negative control vector, and a positive control insert. Please note that these vectors do not include cells and are not Gateway compatible.

Adenoviral Delivery
pSilencer™ adeno 1.0-CMV System shRNA vector (not Gateway compatible) Transient expression of shRNA in dividing and nondividing cells. Vector only (no cells).
Retroviral Delivery
pSilencer™ 5.1 Retro System shRNA vector (not Gateway compatible) Transient or stable expression of shRNA in dividing cells. Vector only (no cells).
pSilencer™ 4.1-CMV Expression Vectors shRNA vector (not Gateway compatible) Transient or stable expression of shRNA in dividing cells. Vector only (no cells).