Induction of silencing effect of Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein by RNA interference

J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2006;26(4):399-401. doi: 10.1007/s11596-006-0404-z.

Abstract

Over-expression of APP and Swedish mutation could cause some familial early onset AD. In this study, a primary screening was conducted of effective small interference RNAs (siRNAs) targeted wild type APP (APPwt) and Swedish mutant APP (APPswe). One siRNA targeting APPwt and the other siRNA targeting APPswe were designed. All these siRNAs were endogenously expressed by siRNAs expressing plasmids. COS-7 cells were transiently co-transfected with APP-GFP recombinant plasmids and siRNA expression vector. The silencing effect of each siRNA was quantitatively assessed by the level of expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). It was found that the siRNAs silenced APPwt and APPswe to different degrees. siRNA directed against APPswe was more effective in suppressing the expression of fusion gene of APPswe than that of APPwt. The silencing effect of siRNA directed against APPswe indicating allele-specific silencing property of the siRNAs. Therefore, siRNAs directed against APP play an important role both in the therapeutic study of Alzheimer disease and functional exploration ofAPP gene.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / genetics*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Gene Silencing*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins