qRT-PCR to verify RNAi knockdown

As discussed in a recent blog post, RNAi is a common technique used in the Applewhite lab to observe the effects of a silenced gene. When preparing for RNAi, it is common practice to run a sample of the dsRNA template on a gel to make sure the resulting band is the same size as the target. However, is this sufficient practice to conclude your following results are due to the knockdown of the gene? Many publishers would say no. It is possible that the exogenous dsRNA was not in appropriate concentration, or was not an effective target to cleave the specific mRNA sequences. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a supplementary method used to verify the successful knockdown of the gene of interest.

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is accomplished by extracting endogenous RNA from your cells treated with RNAi, reverse transcribing the RNA to DNA, designing primers to amplify the gene of interest, and using intercalating dyes, such as SYBR Green, which bind to the DNA and fluoresce with greater intensity as the concentration of the target sequence increases. Important to note, in the presence of off-target dsDNA, sequence-specific probes can be used which rely on FRET for detection, and fluoresce only when the DNA polymerase separates the quencher from the emitter. These sequence-specific probes include Taqman, Molecular Beacons, and Scorpions, although require more complex and expensive implementations (1).

The real time element is essential to determining initial DNA template concentration. Since qPCR only measures the end concentration of target sequence, there is no way to calculate an initial concentration. qRT-PCR however, measures template concentration at an exponential stage of replication, which allows for calculation of an initial starting concentration. This in turn, enables analysis of initial gene expression, and if minimal, verification of RNAi success (2).

Figure 1. Relative qRT-PCR and qPCR measurements of target concentration in respect to duration of PCR.

Sources Cited

  1. The Basics: RT-PCR.Thermo Fisher Scientific – USAvailable at: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/references/ambion-tech-support/rtpcr-analysis/general-articles/rt–pcr-the-basics.html. (Accessed: 23rd October 2018)
  2. Bansal, R.et al.Quantitative RT-PCR Gene Evaluation and RNA Interference in the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.Plos One11,(2016).