Open Biosystems Announces Availability of Lentiviral shRNAmir Library

Open Biosystems, Inc. has announced the availability of its lentiviral microRNA-adapted short hairpin RNA library.

This lentiviral RNA interference resource is designed to enable investigators to inhibit expression of specific genes within the human genome, providing access to a wealth of information on gene function in normal and disease processes.

This shRNAmir technology is now available in lentiviral vectors that increase delivery to most cell types, including neurons and non-dividing cells, that are resistant to other RNAi delivery reagents.

Using lentiviral shRNAmir, researchers can identify the specific genes involved in a disease process and can develop treatments and therapies using that information.

Open Biosystems’ lentiviral shRNAmir library currently offers coverage for 5,000 transcripts.

Complete genome coverage is expected by mid-2006, enabling the manipulation of gene expression levels on a whole genome scale.

This library was developed in collaboration with Dr. Greg Hannon (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory/HHMI) and Dr. Steve Elledge (Harvard Medical School/HHMI).

"Open Biosystems continues to provide leading-edge RNAi technology that enables us to further our research," said Dr. Gabriel Nunez of the University of Michigan, Comprehensive Cancer Center.

"The human lentiviral shRNAmir library is no exception, allowing us to target any gene in the human genome with microRNA-adapted hairpins."

"These tools enable us to greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of RNAi screens."

"Open Biosystems is deeply committed to providing our customers with innovative tools for critical life science research and our lentiviral shRNAmir library underscores this effort," said Troy Moore, Chief Technology Officer at Open Biosystems.

"We continue to bring to market gene-based content and delivery technologies to enable whole genome analysis by scientists worldwide."

"Gene silencing is critical in cancer and other disease research. Several leading academic and research institutions already hold subscriptions to our whole genome human lentiviral library, enabling the identification of specific genes involved in the development of disease."