RNAi living-cell microarrays for loss-of-function screens in Drosophila melanogaster cells

Nat Methods. 2004 Nov;1(2):127-32. doi: 10.1038/nmeth711. Epub 2004 Oct 21.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated loss-of-function screening in Drosophila melanogaster tissue culture cells is a powerful method for identifying the genes underlying cell biological functions and for annotating the fly genome. Here we describe the development of living-cell microarrays for screening large collections of RNAi-inducing double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in Drosophila cells. The features of the microarrays consist of clusters of cells 200 mum in diameter, each with an RNAi-mediated depletion of a specific gene product. Because of the small size of the features, thousands of distinct dsRNAs can be screened on a single chip. The microarrays are suitable for quantitative and high-content cellular phenotyping and, in combination screens, for the identification of genetic suppressors, enhancers and synthetic lethal interactions. We used a prototype cell microarray with 384 different dsRNAs to identify previously unknown genes that affect cell proliferation and morphology, and, in a combination screen, that regulate dAkt/dPKB phosphorylation in the absence of dPTEN expression.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Gene Expression Profiling / instrumentation*
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Genetic Testing / methods
  • Microarray Analysis / instrumentation*
  • Microarray Analysis / methods
  • RNA / analysis
  • RNA / genetics*
  • RNA Interference*

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • RNA