Introducing Sleeping Beauty

New Technology for Gene Transfer From Delivery to Stable Expression
Neuromics has a successful track record of helping our clients delivery siRNA, miRNA, Plasmids and other oligos in vitro and in vivo with our Transfection Kits...But my vision with our cell based assay solutions has always been to provide engineered cells and plasmids modified to study your genes of interest. I am pleased to announce we are working with Smart Cell /B-MoGen Technologies to make this happen. We now can provide:

Gene Transfer and Expression Products Leveraging the Sleeping Beauty Technology

Images: B-MoGen Transposon exhibiting stable expression of five fluorescent genes. 

Advantages of Sleeping Beauty Transposon System:
· Delivery method is time and cost effective compared to lentiviral delivery.
· Increased cargo-capacity when compared to lentiviral delivery.
· Safest insertion profile of all gene transfer methods.
· Commonly integrated as a single copy.
Custom vector design and assembly, including multi-gene (up to 6) vectors.
We are in the process of formulating standard offerings. In the meantime, I am positioned to offer favorable pricing and terms to early adopters of our Sleeping Beauty Solutions. Please contact me directly pshuster@neuromics.com or 612-801-1007. We can together determine your needs and desired outcomes and provide a statement of work with pricing, project milestones and delivery.

Silencing Cytokines in-vivo with i-Fect

Knocking Down Cytokines to Study Pain Response

We have many unique applications published by researchers using our Transfection Kits in vitro and in vivo. Here researchers simultaneously silence 3 immune/inflammatory response cytokines in vivo: Byung Moon Choi, Soo Han Lee, Sang Mee An, Do Yang Park, Gwan Woo Lee, and Gyu-Jeong Noh. The time-course and RNA interference of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β expression on neuropathic pain induced by L5 spinal nerve transection in rats. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2015 Apr;68(2):159-169. English. Published online March 30, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2015.68.2.159.

Protocol: RNAs were administered as described, with modifications [11]. A cocktail of siRNA simultaneously targeting TNF-α (Silencer® Select siRNA; s128522, Ambion, Austin, TX, USA), IL-6 (Silencer® Select siRNA; s217844, Ambion, Austin, TX, USA) and IL-1b (Silencer® Select siRNA; s127941, Ambion, Austin, TX, USA), as well as a control siRNA (Silencer® Negative Control #1 siRNA; Cat #4635, Ambion, Austin, TX, USA), were prepared immediately prior to administration by mixing the RNA (200 µM) with the transfection reagent, i-Fect™ (Neuromics, Minneapolis, MN, USA), in a ratio of 1 : 5 (w : v). At this ratio, the final RNA/lipid complex concentration was 2 µg in 5 µl for each cytokine siRNA and 6 µg in 15 µl for the control siRNA. The cytokine siRNAs were combined and they and the control siRNA (15 µl each) were delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord via the intrathecal catheters. Injections were given daily on 5 consecutive days (-1, 0, 1, 2, 3 d after L5 SNT.

The changes in mechanically induced allodynia and hyperalgesia in the rats surviving for 6 d after SNT are shown in figure. Allodynia and hyperalgesia were lower in the COCK group than in the CON group by 2 d after SNT (P < 0.05) and the difference was maintained for the duration of the experiment.

Figure: The time course of mechanical allodynia (A) and hyperalgesia (B) in the ipsilateral hind paw of rats undergoing L5 spinal nerve transection (SNT) after the administration of control siRNA (CON group) or a cocktail of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) targeting TNF-α, IL-6 and IL1-β (COCK group). The data on the rats surviving for 6 d after SNT are expressed as mean ± SE. -1: 1 d prior to SNT, 0: the day of L5 SNT, 1, 2, 4 and 6: 1, 2, 4 and 6 d after L5 SNT. *P < 0.05 vs. CON group at each time point. MPE: maximal possible effect. The cut-off values for mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia are 30 g and 250 g, respectively.

We will continue to post new applications and methods published by researchers using our Transfection Kits.

EPO Protects Against Cerebral Ischemia

Neuromics' i-Fect ^TM used to Modulate phospho-Connexin 43

In this study data suggest the protective effects of EPO on NUV injuries are highly associated with the increase of p-Cx43, which improves GJIC to reduce neurotoxic substances: Ziyi Zhoua, Xiaobai Weib, Jun Xiang, Junpeng Gao, Lixin Wang, Jinsong You, Yefeng Cai , Dingfang Caid. Protection of erythropoietin against ischemic neurovascular unit injuries through the effects of connexin43. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.02...The strands were incubated at 90°C for 5 min and then at 37°C for 1 h. SiRNA was prepared immediately before administration by mixing the RNA solution (1 μg/μl in annealing buffer) with the transfection reagent i-Fect (v/v: 1/3; Neuromics, Edina, MN, USA) to a final siRNA ...

Highlights
•EPO has protective effects on ischemic NVU injuries.
•EPO up-regulates phosphorylation of Cx43, not total Cx43.
•EPO's protective effects on NUV injuries are p-Cx43-GJIC dependent.

HDAC2 and Anxiety in Alcoholism

The Impact of HDAC2 Gene Expression on Anxiety

Our i-Fect Transfection Kit continues to be a potent tool for testing the impact of altered gene expression on behavior. see: SACHIN MOONAT. The Role of Amygdaloid Chromatin and Synaptic Remodeling in Anxiety and Alcoholism. THESIS Submitted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience in the Graduate College of the University of Illinois at Chicago, 2014.

The author hypothesized that increased HDAC2 would have a positive impact on anxiety in alchohol preferring (P) rats. Specifically, HDAC2-induced histone modifications in the amygdala may play a role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity that may underlie the behavioral phenotypes of P rats. Furthermore, it could be possible that exogenous manipulation of HDAC2 levels in the amygdala may have an effect on anxiety-like behaviors and alcohol preference in P rats.

Figure 1. Chromatin remodeling via histone acetylation and DNA methylation regulates gene transcription associated with changes in synaptic plasticity. During gene transcriptional processes, the chromatin structure associated with DNA to be transcribed is in a relaxed chromatin conformation due to hyperacetylation of histone proteins and hypomethylation of DNA, which allows access to transcriptional machinery. This relaxed chromatin structure results in increased gene transcription, which in neurons may cause increased expression of synaptically active proteins that result in the positive modulation of synaptic plasticity, such as increased dendritic spine density (DSD). DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) methylates DNA at CpG islands, leading to hypermethylated DNA and recruiting of methyl-CpG binding domain protein (MBD) complexes which block binding of transcriptional machinery. The MBD complex can in turn recruit histone deactylases (HDAC) which remove acetyl groups from histone proteins resulting in chromatin condensation thereby decreasing gene transcription. HDACs and histone acetyltransferases (HAT) control the histone acetylation profile, such that HDACs remove acetyl groups and HATs add acetyl groups to histone proteins. In this manner, increased HDAC expression results in hypoacetylation of histones leading to a condensed chromatin structure. Chromatin condensation resulting from HDAC-induced histone deacetylation or DNMT-induced DNA methylation causes reduced gene transcription. In neuronal cells, the reduction in gene transcription may be associated with decreased expression of synaptically active proteins and negative modulation of synaptic plasticity, such as reduced DSD. Treatment with DNMT inhibitors or HDAC inhibitors may block these enzymatic processes and return chromatin to a relaxed state, resulting in increased gene transcription and synaptic plasticity (Moonat and Pandey, 2012).

Methods: P rats that had been previously cannulated for delivery of solutions directly into the CeA were infused with either HDAC2 siRNA, control siRNA or vehicle. The siRNAs were dissolved in iFect solution (Neuromics, Edina, MN), a cationic lipid-based transfection solution, such that the final concentration of the solution was 2 µg/µL. The sequence of the HDAC2 siRNA was as follows: 5’-CAAGUUUCUACGAUCAACATT-3’; 5’- UAUUGAUCGUAGAAACUUGAT-3’. Some of the HDAC2 siRNA (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) had been modified to include a 5’ Alexa Fluor-488 fluorescent probe in order to determine the transfection efficiency and cellular localization of transfection. The control siRNA used was the AllStars Negative Control siRNA (Qiagen), which shows no homology to any known mammalian gene. To prepare the vehicle, RNase-free water was dissolved in the iFect solution in place of any siRNA. The solutions (0.5 µL) were infused bilaterally into the CeA of P rats using an automatic infusion pump which resulted in a dose of 1 µg of siRNA per side. The automatic pump was attached to a microdialysis probe which seated in the guide cannula and extended 3 mm past the tip of the cannula into the CeA.

For the experiments which looked at the anxiolytic effect of HDAC2 siRNA infusion, P rats were infused with either HDAC2 siRNA, control siRNA or vehicle at the end of the light cycle. 16 hours after the infusion, the rats were tested for anxiety-like behaviors. Immediately following behavioral testing, rats were anaesthetized and brains were collected for further analysis. For the voluntary drinking experiment, P rats were infused with either HDAC2 siRNA or vehicle when the bottles were changed following the third day of 9% ethanol exposure. The rats continued to be monitored for the intake of 9% ethanol for 7 days following the infusion. After the final day of voluntary drinking, the rats were anaesthetized for collection of brains and blood to confirm the cannula position and the blood alcohol levels, respectively.

Figure. The effects of HDAC2 siRNA Infusion into the CeA of P rats on voluntary ethanol consumption as measured by the two-bottle free choice paradigm. Monitoring the voluntary ethanol consumption of alcohol-preferring (P) rats via the two bottle free choice paradigm following infusion of vehicle or histone deacetylase isoform 2 (HDAC2) siRNA into the central amygdala (CeA) demonstrates that high HDAC2 levels may mediate the high alcohol drinking behaviors of P rats. P rats were given access to water and 7% ethanol followed by water and 9% ethanol. On the sixth day of ethanol access P rats received infusion of vehicle or HDAC2 siRNA and consumption of water and 9% ethanol were monitored for sevnfusion. Total fluid intake did not significantly differ between the groups. Values are represented as the mean ± SEM of the ethanol consumption (g / kg / day) and total fluid intake (mL) plotted daily for n=6 rats per treatment group. *Significantly different between the groups.

This data suggest reduction of HDAC2 levels in the CeA leads to reduced DSD associated with a reduction in anxiety-like behaviors and alcohol preference in P rats and could prove to have therapeutic value.

miRNA, Inflammation and Coronary Heart Disease

i-Fect^TM Delivers miRNA for the Study of Cardiovascular Pathogenesis

We have posted over 35 publications that reference use of our i-Fect Transfection Kit to deliver siRNA, miRNA and shRNA in vitro and in vivo. Results documented in these publications prove that this kit is both non-toxic and delivers ultra-high transfection efficiency.

Here i-Fect is used to silence miR-21 microRNAs. This miRNA stimulates pro-inflammatory pathways that are at the root of Coronary Heart Disease: Guo Weizao, Liu Huichen, Li Lin, Yang Man and Du Aihua. Regulation of lovastatin on a key inflammation-related microRNA in myocardial cells. Chinese Medical Journal 2014;127(16):2977-2981:10.3760/cma.j.issn.0366-6999.20140780...... miRNA functional inhibition assay Anti-miR miRNA antagonist for miR-21 (Ambion/Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY, USA) was transfected into H9c2(2-1) cells using iFect transfection kit (Neuromics, Edina, MN, USA) according to the manufacturer's manual...

Results:Inhibition of miR-21 upregulates STAT-3 and exerts a critical role in the upregulation of cardioprotective and anti-apoptotic proteins.

Fig: Inhibition of miR-21 attenuated the up-regulation of phosphorylation of STAT3 in H9c2(2-1) cells by lovastatin (LST) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated cardiomyocytes. Combination of treatments are indicated under the image, the basic comparison was 1 vs 3. 

This study demonstrates the relationship between miR-21 and the STAT3 pathway in Coronary Heart Disease. Delivering inhibitory miRNA into cardiomyocytes was key to establishing this relationship. Further study could enable discovery of STAT3 related targets for CV protective drug. In the spirit of helping researchers find the best solutions and protocols for Gene Expression Analysis Studies, we will continue to post new findings.

Neuromics' Transfection Kits-Genes Studied

Delivering siRNA, miRNA, Plasmids and Viral Vectors for Gene Expression Analysis.

I have shared the many genes researchers have studied using our Transfection Kits. These include: β-arrestin, ABCA, ASIC, β-arrestin, CAV1.2, CX3CR1, DOR, EHDAC2, LOVL4, IKBKAP, K+-ATPase, KV1.1, KV9.1 , neuroligin 2, The β3 subunit of the Na+,K+-ATPase, NTS1, NAV1.8, NTS1, NOV, Raf-1, RANK, SNSR1, hTert, NOV, Survivin, TLR4, Troy and TRPV1 and More!

We can now add GPNMB to this list: Lili Hou, Yanfeng Zhang, Yong Yang, Kai Xiang, Qindong Tan, Qulian Guo. Intrathecal siRNA Against GPNMB Attenuates Nociception in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience. July 2014...Ten micrograms of siRNA1- GPNMB dissolved in 30 μl i-Fect transfection reagent (Neuromics, Edina, MN, USA) was administered intrathecally once daily for 7 days, starting from 1 day before CCI surgery...

Abstract: Neuropathic pain is characterized by hyperalgesia, allodynia, and spontaneous pain. Recent studies have shown that glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma B (GPNMB) plays a pivotal role in neuronal survival and neuroprotection. However, the role of GPNMB in neuropathic pain remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of GPNMB in neuropathic pain. In cultured spinal cord neurons, we used two small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting the complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence of rat GPNMB that had potent inhibitory effects on GPNMB, and siRNA1-GPNMB was selected for further in vivo study as it had the higher inhibitory effect. After sciatic nerve injury in rats, the endogenous level of GPNMB was increased in a time-dependent manner in the spinal cord. Furthermore, the intrathecal injection of siRNA1-GPNMB inhibited the expression of GPNMB and pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of rats. Taken together, our findings suggest that siRNA against GPNMB can alleviate the chronic neuropathic pain caused by CCI, and this effect may be mediated by attenuated expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the spinal cord of CCI rats. Therefore, inhibition of GPNMB may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

If you would like to learn how you can optimize your gene expression analysis studies, do not hesitate to e-mail: pshuster@neuromics.com or direct line: 612-801-1007.

Gene Expression Analysis For Neuroscientists

In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Neuromics has a strong line up of Transfection Tools designed specifically for Neuroscientists. Neurons, Glia and Astrocytes are notoriously hard to transfect. We are proud of our track record.

This is an excellent study for Neuroscience Researchers interested in using best methods: http://emboj.embopress.org/content/embojnl/31/15/3239/DC1/embed/inline-supplementary-material-1.pdf?download=true.  Here researchers delivered 14-3-3 siRNA sub units + i-Fect intrathecally. Here's specific knockdown results:

Figure: A. Dose-dependent inhibition of 14-3-3-zeta (z) expression with anti-14-3-3-z siRNA as measured with qRT-PCR in cultured spinal neurons (n = 3 independent experiments). B. Immunolabeling for 14-3-3-z is visualized in the dorsal horn of naive rats after intrathecal injection of mismatch RNA (a, mmRNA; 2 µg in 10µL i-Fect reagent) or anti-14-3-3-z siRNA (b, anti-14-3-3-z siRNA; 2 µg in 10µL i-Fect reagent). Bar: 50 µm C. Detection in the spinal cord (a, SC) and lumbar dorsal root ganglia (b, DRG) of intrathecally injected fluorescent siRNA. Staining is seen in the dorsal horn (open star) but not in the dorsal root ganglia (filled star). Bar: 50 µm D1. Quantification of 14-3-3-z mRNA levels with qRT-PCR in the ipsilateral lumbar (L4 and L5) dorsal spinal cord of three groups of rats (n=4 in each group): sham, neuropathic (same data as Figure 1B), and neuropathic with 3 intrathecal injections of anti-14-3-3-z siRNA. The upregulation of 14-3-3 mRNA in neuropathic conditions is abolished after anti-14-3-3-z siRNA injections. D2. Same quantitative procedure carried out in the ipsilateral lumbar (L4 and L5) dorsal root ganglia. No modification was induced by intrathecal injections of anti-14-3-3-z siRNA (n=4 in each group, same data as Figure S1B for Sham and SNL).

Our customers have successfully studied many genes with our tools. Here's a sampling: ABCA, ASIC, β-arrestin, CAV, CX3CR1, DOR, ELOVL4, IKBKAP, K+-ATPase, K_V1.1, K_V9.1 ,The β3 subunit of the Na+,K+-ATPase, NTS1, NAV_1.8, NTS1, NOV, Raf-1, RANK, SNSR1, hTert,  NOV, Survivin, TLR4, Troy and  TRPV1. Here're the related publications.