Chat
Recent Searches
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific  
 
 
 
Open Biosystems’ shRNAmir Technology Adopted by Duke University, National Institutes of Health, Lee Moffitt and Fox Chase Cancer Centers
MicroRNA-adapted Short Hairpin RNA Library Helps Researchers at Four Cancer Centers Identify Tumor Suppressors, Potentially Advancing Treatment Options
Huntsville, AL - June 6th, 2005

Open Biosystems, Inc., focused on the commercialization of leading-edge life science research tools for drug discovery, today announced that four renowned cancer centers have adopted the company’s short hairpin RNA (shRNAmir) technology to aid in the identification of advanced cancer treatment options. Duke University, the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute, Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Fox Chase Cancer Center have invested in human and/or mouse shRNAmir whole genome libraries to accelerate research related to cancer biology and drug discovery.

RNA interference (RNAi), a process used to silence specific gene expression, is growing in popularity among medical researchers. The ability to knockdown a gene and, as a result, prevent the formation of a disease-associated protein, may slow or halt the progression of some diseases, including cancers. Open Biosystems’shRNAmir libraries are very efficient triggers for RNAi. Designed to harness a cell’s natural RNAi pathway, shRNAmir expression results in superior knockdown and tighter targeting of the specific gene being studied. Cancer researchers can use the shRNAmir libraries to screen entire genomes in a high throughput manner, identifying tumor suppressors and possible drug targets. As a result, cancer researchers are adopting the shRNAmir technology to identify specific genes that suppress tumor growth and the spread of cancer.

"The ability to perform loss of function screens in mammalian cells is revolutionizing the way we study biology," said Peter Adams, Member, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia. "We selected Open Biosystems’ shRNA library because we view the technology as the best available on the market today and the company has been very responsive to our specific needs and requirements for information and support." Open Biosystems’ shRNAmir Technology Adopted by Duke University, National Institutes of Health, Lee Moffitt andFox Chase Cancer Centers

"Open Biosystems’ shRNAmir libraries enable us to manipulate gene expression and probe gene function on a whole-genome scale, accelerating a wide range of basic and translational research programs, including cancer research," said Thomas Burke, Ph.D., General Manager of Technologies at the Duke Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy. "Rather than spending limited time and resources designing, constructing and characterizing RNAi reagents, our researchers can now select shRNAmir clones targeting genes of interest, and place these into functional assays accelerating research that may lead to advanced treatment options for cancer."

"Distinguished cancer centers have turned to Open Biosystems’ shRNAmir technology for efficient and versatile gene silencing options for cancer research," said Troy Moore, Chief Technology Officer at Open Biosystems. "Gene silencing using RNAi is an effective technique whose potential has just begun to be tapped. Our shRNAmir libraries will greatly simplify discovery and validation of tumor suppressor function as well as the establishment of animal models for cancer. As a growing number of researchers and scientists recognize the value and impact of gene silencing for the treatment of disease, we will continue to partner with leading organizations to further this area of research."

About Open Biosystems
Open Biosystems, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets genomic research tools to scientists and researchers in corporate, academic and government laboratories. These research tools provide investigators with standardized high-quality genes, RNAi and antibodies for interrogating gene function in relation to oncology, neuroscience and metabolic disorders. Founded in 2001, Open Biosystems is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. For more information and details for ordering, please visit www.openbiosystems.com.

Contacts:
Laura Huckabee-Jennings
256.325.7212
Open Biosystems
Laura.Huckabee-Jennings@openbiosystems.com

Lauren Arnold or Stacey Holifield
781.684.0770
Schwartz Communications
openbiosystems@schwartz-pr.com