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Open Biosystems Announces Availability of Lentiviral shRNAmir Library; Lentiviral shRNAmir Vectors Allow Efficient Gene Silencing in Primary & Non-Dividing Cells

1/24/2006 9:00:00 AM EST

Open Biosystems, Inc., focused on the commercialization of leading-edge life science research tools for drug discovery, today announced the availability of its lentiviral microRNA-adapted short hairpin RNA (shRNAmir) library. An advancement over recent retroviral libraries, this unique lentiviral RNA interference (RNAi) resource enables investigators to inhibit expression of specific genes within the human genome, providing access to a wealth of information on gene function in normal and disease processes.

RNAi is a mechanism cells use to naturally regulate gene expression and protein production. Researchers have only recently begun to harness RNAi to potentially halt the expression of disease-associated genes. Open Biosystems is the leading provider of shRNAmir technology which is based on major advances in the understanding of natural RNAi pathways and shown to produce specific and highly effective RNAi. This shRNAmir technology is now available in lentiviral vectors that increase delivery to most cell types, including neurons and non-dividing cells, that are resistant to other RNAi delivery reagents. Using lentiviral shRNAmir, researchers can identify the specific genes involved in a disease process and can develop treatments and therapies using that information.

Open Biosystems' lentiviral shRNAmir library currently offers coverage for greater than 5,000 transcripts. Complete genome coverage is expected by mid-2006, enabling the manipulation of gene expression levels on a whole-genome scale. This library was developed in collaboration with Dr. Greg Hannon (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory/HHMI) and Dr. Steve Elledge (Harvard Medical School/HHMI).

"Open Biosystems continues to provide leading-edge RNAi technology that enables us to further our research," said Dr. Gabriel Nunez of the University of Michigan, Comprehensive Cancer Center. "The human lentiviral shRNAmir library is no exception, allowing us to target any gene in the human genome with microRNA-adapted hairpins. These tools enable us to greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of RNAi screens."

"Open Biosystems is deeply committed to providing our customers with innovative tools for critical life science research and our lentiviral shRNAmir library underscores this effort. We continue to bring to market gene-based content and delivery technologies to enable whole genome analysis by scientists worldwide," said Troy Moore, Chief Technology Officer at Open Biosystems. "Gene silencing is critical in cancer and other disease research. Several leading academic and research institutions already hold subscriptions to our whole genome human lentiviral library, enabling the identification of specific genes involved in the development of disease."

About Open Biosystems

Open Biosystems, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets genomic research tools to scientists and researchers in corporate, academic and government laboratories. These research tools provide investigators with standardized high-quality genes, RNAi and antibodies for interrogating gene function in relation to oncology, neuroscience and metabolic disorders. Founded in 2001, Open Biosystems is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. For more information and details for ordering, please visit www.openbiosystems.com.

CONTACT:

Open Biosystems Laura Huckabee-Jennings, 256-325-7212 Laura.Huckabee-Jennings@openbiosystems.com or Schwartz Communications Lauren Arnold or David Rudy, 781-684-0770 openbiosystems@schwartz-pr.com

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