Gene expression silencing with 'specific' small interfering RNA goes beyond specificity: a study of key parameters to take into account in the onset of small interfering RNA off-target effects

Sebastien Vankoningsloo, Françoise De Longueville, Stephanie Evrard, Pierre Rahier, Andrée Houbion, Antoine Fattaccioli, Mélanie Piette Gastellier, José Remacle, Martine Raes, Patricia Renard, Thierry Arnould

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

RNA-mediated gene silencing (RNA interference) is a powerful way to knock down gene expression and has revolutionized the fields of cellular and molecular biology. Indeed, the transfection of cultured cells with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) is currently considered to be the best and easiest approach to loss-of-function experiments. However, several recent studies underscore the off-target and potential cytotoxic effects of siRNAs, which can lead to the silencing of unintended mRNAs. In this study, we used a low-density microarray to assess gene expression modifications in response to five different siRNAs in various cell types and transfection conditions. We found major differences in off-target signature according to: (a) siRNA sequence; (b) cell type; (c) duration of transfection; and (d) post-transfection time before analysis. These results contribute to a better understanding of important parameters that could impact on siRNA side effects in knockdown experiments.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2738-2753
Number of pages16
Journal FEBS Journal
Volume275
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 2008

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