Genome-scale RNAi Screening

RNA interference (RNAi) is an extremely powerful tool for probing gene function, and it derives its utility from the ability of small, double-stranded RNAs (small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs) specifically to silence genes containing sequences identical to those in the siRNAs. RNAi methodologies can be employed to study host/pathogen interactions or individual microbial virulence factors, and to identify cellular genes required for pathogen replication and/or virulence. These approaches have the potential to identify additional targets for therapeutic development.

The ICCB-Longwood Screening Facility and the Drosophila RNAi Screening Center at Harvard Medical School welcome applications from the NERCE community.

 

ICCB-Longwood Screening Facility

Resources and Services available

• Dharmacon Thermo Fisher SMARTpool siRNA libraries targeting the whole human (21,176 genes) and mouse (16,873 genes) genomes.
• Diverse screening platforms: any 96- or 384-well assay that can be read on a multimode plate reader (e.g., absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence) or by automated microscopy is supported. Assays requiring special biocontainment are supported at lower throughput in conjunction with the NERCE Microbiology and Animal Resources Core.
• ICCB-L staff will advise screeners on design and conduct of high-throughput RNAi screens.

Application: please visit the ICCB-L website.

Fees: Access fees for ICCB-L screens are available online at the ICCB-L website but should be confirmed with the Director of ICCB-L.  Screeners must provide their own supplies and reagents.

Contact

Caroline E. Shamu, Ph.D. caroline_shamu@hms.harvard.edu 617-432-3127 617-432-6424 (fax)

 

Drosophila RNAi Screening Center

The Drosophila RNAi Screening Center (DRSC) provides RNAi reagents, cells, fly stocks and other support for RNAi screening in Drosophila cultured cells or flies, including for host-pathogen interaction screens. Several cell-based, whole-genome RNAi screens aimed at understanding cellular responses to viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens have been performed by various groups at the DRSC.  The screen results have demonstrated relevance to understanding host-pathogen responses in human cells. Researchers from within or outside the HMS community can apply and perform whole-genome RNAi screens at the DRSC. For more information please see http://www.flyrnai.org

Fees: Access fees for DRSC screens are available online.

Contact

Stephanie Mohr, Ph.D. DRSC Director  smohr@hms.harvard.edu 617-432-5626