What is siRNA?
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a breakthrough therapeutic molecule that precisely silences disease-causing genes by utilizing the cell's natural RNA interference (RNAi) process. These double-stranded RNA molecules typically consist of 21-23 nucleotide pairs, with one strand (the guide strand) perfectly complementary to the target messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence.
Its remarkable mechanism begins with the siRNA being loaded into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), where the guide strand guides the RISC to bind to the complementary mRNA sequence via Watson-Crick base pairing.
Why is siRNA In Vitro Screening Indispensable?
Target Validation
The challenge lies not in identifying potential targets, but in validating them. Screening functionally confirms the role of genes in disease-related phenotypes.
Gene Essentiality
Rapid, high-throughput systems allow for the assessment of gene essentiality before investing significant resources in drug design.
Mitigation of Off-Target Effects
Screening helps in selecting candidates with high specificity, mitigating potential off-target effects early in the development process.
Our Services
Creative Biolabs offers a complete suite of siRNA in vitro screening services designed to accelerate therapeutic development from concept to candidate drug selection.
Custom Library Design and Optimization
Beyond Standard Commercial Libraries
We go beyond standard commercial libraries, offering customized siRNA design services tailored to your specific targets.
Our services utilize proprietary and publicly available algorithms to analyze target transcripts and design three to five independent, non-overlapping siRNA sequences for each target gene.
Assay Development and Validation
Robust Testing Methods
Successful screening relies on robust testing methods that accurately identify and quantify the desired outcomes.
Our experts specialize in customizing and optimizing assays, tailoring them to integrate seamlessly with your chosen cell model and phenotypic readings.
High-Content Screening (HCS)
Complex Biological Analysis
For complex biological questions, we employ high-content screening (HCS) technology utilizing automated high-resolution microscopy to capture multi-parameter data.
This technology goes beyond simple biochemical endpoint analysis, allowing for detailed phenotypic characterization.
Technologies for siRNA In Vitro Screening
We primarily utilize two distinct and complementary technologies, each suitable for different experimental scales and detection types.
Arrayed Screening
Objective:
This screening method is suitable for high-content screening, as well as primary cells and neurons. Custom libraries are also available.
Tools:
Two tools will be used in this screening. The first is chemically synthesized siRNA, suitable for short-term gene silencing. The second is vector-encoded shRNA, suitable for long-term stable gene silencing.
Methods:
Depending on experimental conditions, results can be detected by measuring colorimetric, fluorescence, or luminescent readings (ELISA reader) of the entire well, or using imaging techniques to measure fluorescence readings at the cellular or subcellular level.
Mixed Screening
Objective:
Suitable for cell viability/proliferation assays to identify drug-resistant genes. Also suitable for mammalian cells utilizing virus-encoded shRNA.
Tools:
The primary tool employed is lentivirus-based shRNA libraries. This sophisticated tool is a linchpin in high-throughput genetic screens, particularly for identifying drug-resistant genes.
Methods:
When using mixed screening for selection, phenotypic consideration is crucial. Clients and researchers should understand the phenotype under investigation before deciding to use this method to select targets.
Why Choose Our siRNA Screening Service?
Integrated Solution Platform
Unrivaled Expertise
Our team is led by PhD-level scientists with decades of combined experience in RNAi biology, medicinal chemistry, and screening science.
Cutting-Edge Technology
We utilize high-content imaging systems for complex phenotypic analysis and molecular interaction analysis platforms.
Rigorous QC & Regulatory Insight
Our core experimental procedures adhere to a rigorous QC/QA system, and our scientific team possesses deep regulatory knowledge.
Collaboration Process
Project Analysis
Consultation
Design & Model
Strategy Selection
Validation
Optimization
High-Throughput
Screening Execution
Analysis
Report & Guidance
Trusted by Global Innovators
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Director of Research
"Their screening platform identified a clinical candidate with a silencing efficiency of up to 98% and an excellent safety profile—far exceeding our internal capabilities."
Prof. Kenji Tanaka
Principal Investigator
"Creative Biolabs provided a complete solution from library design to data analysis, ultimately yielding high-quality, publishable data."
Dr. Markus Weber
Head of Therapeutics
"They successfully developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation that can cross the blood-brain barrier... Their versatility across tissue types sets them apart."
Frequently Asked Questions
Rigorous experimental design requires multiple types of controls: positive controls with known silencing activity, negative controls with scrambled sequences, and transfection controls to assess delivery efficiency. For fluorescence detection, labeled siRNA can optimize transfection conditions.
Optimization begins with cell-specific delivery methods—liposome transfection for adherent cells and electroporation for difficult-to-treat primary or suspension cells. We also employ advanced delivery technologies, such as viral vectors or specialized nanoparticles when standard methods are insufficient.
To efficiently launch a project, we need you to provide the target nucleotide sequence or a standard genetic identifier. Additionally, details such as required chemical modifications, planned delivery method, and target cell type are needed for customized design.
Our integrated platform seamlessly transitions screened candidate siRNAs to the development phase through tiered evaluation. Initial screening identifies candidates based on potency, followed by duration of action, specificity analysis, and preliminary toxicology assessment.
Connect with Us Anytime!
At Creative Biolabs, we have built a comprehensive siRNA screening infrastructure that combines state-of-the-art technologies with deep scientific expertise covering a wide range of disease areas. Contact us for more information.
Tell us about your project, and our experts will get back to you with a customized quote and proposal.
