Analysis of human small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA) and the development of snoRNA modulator of gene expression vectors

Mol Biol Cell. 2010 May 1;21(9):1569-84. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e10-01-0078. Epub 2010 Mar 10.

Abstract

Human small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) that copurify with nucleoli isolated from HeLa cells have been characterized. Novel fibrillarin-associated snoRNAs were detected that allowed the creation of a new vector system for the targeted knockdown of one or more genes in mammalian cells. The snoMEN (snoRNA modulator of gene expressioN) vector technology is based on snoRNA HBII-180C, which contains an internal sequence that can be manipulated to make it complementary to RNA targets. Gene-specific knockdowns are demonstrated for endogenous cellular proteins and for G/YFP-fusion proteins. Multiplex snoMEN vectors coexpress multiple snoRNAs in one transcript, targeted either to different genes or to different sites in the same gene. Protein replacement snoMEN vectors can express a single transcript combining cDNA for a tagged protein with introns containing cognate snoRNAs targeted to knockdown the endogenous cellular protein. We foresee applications for snoMEN vectors in basic gene expression research, target validation, and gene therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Nucleolus / genetics
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / metabolism
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Gene Expression*
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques / methods*
  • Gene Library
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Mutation
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Nucleolar / genetics*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Survival of Motor Neuron 1 Protein / genetics
  • Survival of Motor Neuron 1 Protein / metabolism
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • RNA, Small Nucleolar
  • SMN1 protein, human
  • Survival of Motor Neuron 1 Protein
  • fibrillarin
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins