Open Biosystems Helps Drexel University ”Knock Out” Genes Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease; Drexel’s RNAi Resource Center Relies on Open Biosystems’ Comprehensive Expression Arrest(TM) shRNAmir Retroviral Library to Advance Research Efforts
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 18, 2006–Open Biosystems, Inc., focused on the commercialization of leading-edge life science research tools for drug discovery, today announced that Drexel University is using its Expression Arrest(TM) shRNAmir retroviral library to identify and analyze genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
This progressive brain disorder affects an estimated 4.5 million people in the United States. By identifying the genes that are functionally associated with the disease, scientists will be able to develop novel therapies and potentially prevent the occurrence of the disease. Gene knockdown through RNAi may enable scientists to develop a treatment that turns off genes that are responsible for the disease symptoms, thereby eliminating the disease before it begins. Led by Dr. Aleister Saunders, the Alzheimer’s study is in the final phase of a six-year process expected to be complete by end of the fall.
Taking advantage of proven short hairpin design, researchers are utilizing Open Biosystems’ Expression Arrest shRNAmir retroviral library to help increase the efficiency and specificity of gene knockdown and reduce off-target effects. Critical to the Alzheimer’s study, Open Biosystems’ shRNAmir library offers the ability to create stable gene knockdown in vitro.
“Expression Arrest shRNAmir is a truly revolutionary technology, and a fundamental tool for researchers looking to analyze gene function,” said Dr. Saunders, professor of bioscience and biotechnology, Drexel University. “We evaluated many different technologies and the shRNAmir technology was the ideal match for our project because of its affordability, comprehensive coverage of the human genome, multiple avenues of delivery to target cells and significant improvement to our efficiency in targeting genes. These qualities are allowing us, and many other investigators, to perform experiments that were previously impossible.”
“Drexel University’s use of our library exemplifies Open Biosystems’ commitment to bringing the most comprehensive tools to academic institutions conducting critical research that holds the potential to significantly improve quality of life,” said Troy Moore, CTO of Open Biosystems. “We are able to provide scientists with access to the most critical RNAi resources without posing a burden on their bottom lines, enabling them to focus on developing technologies that will result in significant scientific breakthroughs.”
In addition to the Alzheimer’s disease study, the Expression Arrest shRNAmir retroviral library is distributed to more than 30 different scientists in 15 labs across Drexel’s four campuses. The distribution of these reagents is carried out by the Drexel University RNAi Resource Center, a core research facility providing RNAi resources to individual investigators. These reagents are aiding Drexel scientists in the following research fields: aging, pharmacology and physiology, biomedical research, microbiology and immunology, biochemistry, general medicine, pulmonary medicine, pathology, surgery, laboratory medicine and cancer. Additional information about Drexel’s RNAi Resource Center can be found at: http://www.drexel.edu/RNAi.
About the Drexel University Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology
Housed in Drexel’s College of Arts and Science, the department of bioscience and biotechnology offers studies in wide-ranging aspects of the life sciences. The faculty members and scientists conduct research in the areas of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology; ecology, earth and environmental science; organismal physiology development; microbial pathogenesis, immunology and infectious diseases; and nutrition, food science and food safety.
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.
