Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

sxRNA: Using RNA-based, nano-switches to detect novel non-coding RNA expression

4^th International Conference on Nanotek & Expo

December 01-03, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport, USA

Scott A Tenenbaum

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nanomed Nanotechnol

Abstract:

The wide array of vital functions that RNA performs is dependent on its ability to dynamically fold into alternative structures in response to changes in intracellular and extracellular conditions. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate much of this activity by targeting specific RNA structures or motifs. We have developed a trans-RNA switching mechanism called structurally interacting RNA or ?sxRNA? for short that relies on the unique expression of a targeted microRNA of interest to control the expression of an ectopic gene of interest. By coupling post-transcriptional gene regulation with the unique microRNA signature patterns in cell types, sxRNA technology can enable the cell specific expression of a desired protein or reporter gene to positively or negatively select for a tissue type, disease process or developmental stage. We routinely custom design sxRNAs in which the natural RBP-binding structure is altered so it only correctly forms when a targeted miRNA, binds in trans and stabilizes it by base-pairing to the flanking region. By placing sxRNA-switches downstream of a reporter gene, we have developed an RNA based, Nano-switch trans-molecular tool for scientists to measure in vivo miRNA production and designed multiple sxRNA switches that demonstrated increased reporter expression routinely by ~3X and as much as 15X when in the presence of the targeted miRNA. The sxRNA technology allows researchers to detect the real-time production of targeted miRNAs and and control the expression of a desired gene in-vivo using mRNA, rather than DNA, opens up many new possibilities for molecular tools, therapeutics, vaccines, and imaging applications.

Biography :

Scott A Tenenbaum is Associate Professor of Nanobioscience at the SUNY-College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. Previously, he served as the Acting Vice President for Research and Associate Head of the Nanobioscience Constellation at CNSE. He helped pioneer RIP-Chip/Seq technology and the field of ?Ribonomics.? He holds 19 issued or pending patents, which have served as the basis for three biotechnology start-up companies including his most recent, HocusLocus LLC in Upstate, NY. His research is funded by the NIH and is focused on developing RNA ?Nano-switches? to be used as molecular tools, diagnostics and as therapeutics.