A High-throughput Assay for mRNA Silencing in Primary Cortical Neurons in vitro with Oligonucleotide Therapeutics
Authors
Alterman, Julia F.Coles, Andrew H.
Hall, Lauren M.
Aronin, Neil
Khvorova, Anastasia
Didiot, Marie C.
UMass Chan Affiliations
Department of MedicineDepartment of Molecular Medicine
RNA Therapeutics Institute
Document Type
Journal ArticlePublication Date
2017-08-20Keywords
Branched DNAPrimary cortical neurons
QuantiG ene 2.0
Screening
siRNA
Molecular Biology
Nervous System Diseases
Neuroscience and Neurobiology
Research Methods in Life Sciences
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Primary neurons represent an ideal cellular system for the identification of therapeutic oligonucleotides for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, due to the sensitive nature of primary cells, the transfection of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) using classical methods is laborious and often shows low efficiency. Recent progress in oligonucleotide chemistry has enabled the development of stabilized and hydrophobically modified small interfering RNAs (hsiRNAs). This new class of oligonucleotide therapeutics shows extremely efficient self-delivery properties and supports potent and durable effects in vitro and in vivo. We have developed a high-throughput in vitro assay to identify and test hsiRNAs in primary neuronal cultures. To simply, rapidly, and accurately quantify the mRNA silencing of hundreds of hsiRNAs, we use the QuantiGene 2.0 quantitative gene expression assay. This high-throughput, 96-well plate-based assay can quantify mRNA levels directly from sample lysate. Here, we describe a method to prepare short-term cultures of mouse primary cortical neurons in a 96-well plate format for high-throughput testing of oligonucleotide therapeutics. This method supports the testing of hsiRNA libraries and the identification of potential therapeutics within just two weeks. We detail methodologies of our high throughput assay workflow from primary neuron preparation to data analysis. This method can help identify oligonucleotide therapeutics for treatment of various neurological diseases.Source
Bio Protoc. 2017 Aug 20;7(16). doi: 10.21769/BioProtoc.2501. Link to article on publisher's site
DOI
10.21769/BioProtoc.2501Permanent Link to this Item
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14038/40415PubMed ID
28966945Related Resources
Rights
Copyright: © 2017 The Authors; exclusive licensee Bio-protocol LLC.ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.21769/BioProtoc.2501