Vector-Based RNAi

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


Table 2.  Invitrogen’s RNAi vector products.

Product TypeDescriptionOnline Ordering
BLOCK-iT™ miR RNAi SelectPre-designed miR RNAi vector inserts for any organismVector inserts: BLOCK-iT™ RNAi Express
Vector backbones: Invitrogen’s online catalog
BLOCK -iT™ Pol II miR Validated miRNA Vector DuoPakValidated miR RNAi constructs to human kinase genesGlycerol stocks: BLOCK-iT™ RNAi Express
Custom BLOCK-iT™ Pol II miR RNAi VectorsCustom miR RNAi vectors for any organismVector inserts: BLOCK-iT™ RNAi Designer
Vector backbones: Invitrogen’s online catalog
BLOCK-iT™ shRNA VectorsCustom shRNA vectors for any organismVector inserts: BLOCK-iT™ RNAi Designer
Vector backbones: Invitrogen’s online catalog
Controls for RNAi VectorsTransfection, positive and negative controls for every RNAi experimentInvitrogen’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 SystemshRNA vector (not Gateway compatible)Transient expression of shRNA in dividing and nondividing cells. Vector only (no cells).
Retroviral Delivery
pSilencer™ 5.1 Retro SystemshRNA vector (not Gateway compatible)Transient or stable expression of shRNA in dividing cells. Vector only (no cells).
pSilencer™ 4.1-CMV Expression VectorsshRNA vector (not Gateway compatible)Transient or stable expression of shRNA in dividing cells. Vector only (no cells).