Knock-down Model Development Service
The development and utilization of animal models play a crucial role in understanding the underlying mechanisms of various diseases. One such valuable tool is the knock-down model, which has gained significant attention recently. Our company, a leader in the biomedical industry, recognizes the importance of knock-down models and continues to contribute to advancements in this field. Our commitment to advancing rare disease research is reflected in our contribution to the development and utilization of knock-down models in these areas.
Overview of Knock-down Models
A knock-down model is an experimental system in which the expression of a specific gene is purposefully reduced or silenced, allowing researchers to investigate the consequences of gene suppression on cellular processes and organismal physiology. This technique is achieved by introducing exogenous molecules, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) or short hairpin RNA (shRNA), which target and degrade the messenger RNA (mRNA) of the gene of interest. The resulting reduction in the gene's expression levels provides a powerful tool for studying gene function and disease mechanisms.
Fig.1 The design of α-synuclein knock-down mini-genes and peptides. (Jin, J. W., et al., 2021)Through knock-down models, researchers have been able to investigate the impact of gene suppression on brain development and function, shedding light on the molecular basis of these complex disorders. Similarly, knock-down models have been instrumental in understanding isolated brain malformations, malformation syndromes, ciliopathies, skeletal dysplasias, and neuromuscular disorders associated with rare diseases.
Comparison of Knock-down and Knock-out
While both gene knock-down and gene knock-out techniques aim to study gene function, there are fundamental differences between the two approaches.
| Knock-down | Knock-out | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Gene knock-down aims to reduce gene expression without eliminating it. | Gene knockout involves the complete elimination of gene expression by disrupting the gene's coding sequence, usually by introducing a non-functional or deleted allele. |
| Process | Enable the occurrence of this phenomenon through either chemical agents or genetic modification. | Perform genetic engineering techniques to achieve this outcome. |
| Methods | RNA interference Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats |
Homologous recombination Zinc fingers Transcription activator-like effector nucleases |
Our Services
After years of hard work and experience, our company has established the world's leading animal model development platform capable of supporting drug safety evaluation and pharmacokinetics studies. We are committed to supporting and advancing rare disease research and making joint efforts to improve the development of drugs and therapies for rare diseases by developing knock-down models for research on rare disease gene functions, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets.
- Animal Species for Model Development
-Mouse
-Rat
-Rabbit-Pig
-Dog-Monkey
-Cat-Zebrafish
-Others - Types of Knock-down Model Development
- Transient Knock-down Models
Providing transient knock-down model development services, which cause temporary changes in gene expression through mRNA-binding oligonucleotides or temporary binding to genes, but do not change chromosomal DNA. - RNA interference (RNAi) Knock-down Models
-Utilizing small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules to target and degrade specific mRNAs.
-The short hairpin RNA (shRNA) approach is used, which involves the introduction of a DNA construct encoding a hairpin-like RNA molecule. - CRISPR-mediated Knock-down Models
By combining the targeting capabilities of the guide RNA (gRNA) with the nuclease activity of the Cas9 protein, specific gene sequences can be cleaved and rendered non-functional, resulting in reduced gene expression levels.
- Transient Knock-down Models
Why Choose Us?
Leveraging our profound experience in rare disease research and therapeutic development, our esteemed company offers a comprehensive range of services to prominent biopharmaceutical companies and emerging scientific research institutions. Our core expertise lies in the cutting-edge development of knock-down models specifically tailored for rare diseases, leveraging our advanced platform. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
Reference
- Jin, J. W., et al., "Development of an α-synuclein knockdown peptide and evaluation of its efficacy in Parkinson's disease models." Communications Biology 4.1 (2021): 232.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.