RNA interference tools for human cells
For a long period, the lack of tools
to efficiently generate stable loss-of-function
phenotypes hindered mammalian genetic approaches to
study gene function. In the past, we have developed
a novel vector system, named pSUPER, which directs
the inhibition of gene expression through RNA
interference (RNAi). With it we demonstrated
persistent suppression of gene expression that
allows the analysis of loss-of-function phenotypes
that develop over longer periods of time.
Screening
Recently, a large collection of viral pSUPER vectors for the knockdown of up to 8000 genes in human cells was assembled in our institute. These days, we use library to perform genetic screens in order to identify and characterize new players in DNA-damage pathways and novel human tumor suppressors genes.
