Non-coding Interfering RNA Targeting via Virus-like Particle Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RNA interference technologies primarily target messenger RNA (mRNA) and lack effective methods for manipulating non-coding RNAs, such as ribosomal and transfer RNAs, which are crucial for various biological processes and applications, including disease management and agricultural protection.
Innovation Solution
Development of non-coding interfering RNAs (nciRNAs) that can specifically target and degrade non-coding RNAs, such as ribosomal and transfer RNAs, using virus-like particles (VLPs) to deliver and stabilize these RNAs, enabling their interference activity within target organisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional RNA interference technologies are used to target messenger RNA, then gene expression can be down-regulated, but there is no effective method to manipulate non-coding RNAs such as ribosomal and transfer RNAs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the target parameter from messenger RNA to non-coding RNA (ribosomal RNA and transfer RNA), expanding the applicability of RNA interference technology to previously inaccessible targets while maintaining interference effectiveness through optimized nciRNA design
2Adaptability or versatility
If nciRNAs are introduced to target non-coding RNAs, then new biological processes can be manipulated, but delivery and stability of the nciRNAs become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses dsRNA precursors as intermediary molecules that are more stable during delivery and are then processed by cellular machinery into active nciRNAs within the target organism, solving the stability problem while maintaining the desired biological effects
3Productivity
If nciRNAs are produced in prokaryotes for eukaryotic target organisms, then production efficiency is improved, but the complexity of ensuring proper processing and activity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary synthesis of dsRNA precursors in prokaryotes where production is efficient, then introduces these precursors to eukaryotic cells where they are processed into active nciRNAs by the eukaryotic cellular machinery, separating the production and activation steps to optimize both
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
nciRNAs effectively degrade target non-coding RNAs, demonstrating high activity in biological assays and potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and pest control, with VLPs providing a stable and efficient delivery method.
Implementation Method 1
a RNA molecule of appropriate sequence will down-regulate expression of a given gene by preventing the corresponding messenger RNA (mRNA) from producing protein. RNA with interference activity is known as an iRNA and has the capability to cause degradation of an mRNA. When an iRNA forms complementary Watson-Crick base pairs with an mRNA, it induces mRNA cleavage by accessory proteins.
Data Source
AI summary
A broad and extensive new category of targets for ribonucleic acids (RNAs) with interference activity (iRNAs), exclusive of the traditional messenger RNA (mRNA) targets have been discovered. iRNAs can be used to manipulate biological processes that do not explicitly involve mRNA and can be directed at non-coding RNAs, such as ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and transfer RNAs (tRNAs). iRNA sequences targeted at ribosomal rRNAs and tRNAs have been designed and tested. iRNA that targets a non-coding RNA is called non-coding interfering RNA (nciRNA). nciRNAs cause degradation of non-coding RNAs in vivo, and are highly active in biological assays. nciRNAs can be used as programmed toxins for specific targeting of eukaryotic pathogens and for protection of plants and structures from insects and weeds.