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New Gene Silencing Tool
One of the newest gene silencing tools is the CRISPR-based technology known as CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). CRISPRi is a modified version of the CRISPR/Cas9 system that allows for targeted gene silencing without making permanent changes to the DNA sequence. CRISPRi works by using a catalytically inactive form of the Cas9 protein, known as “dead” Cas9…
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siRNA Electroporation Technique
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) electroporation is a technique used to introduce siRNA molecules into target cells in order to silence or knockdown the expression of specific genes. The siRNA molecules are designed to complement the target messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then degraded by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), leading to a reduction in protein…
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Tissues in Vivo
In vivo refers to biological processes, experiments, or treatments that occur within a living organism, as opposed to in vitro, which refers to studies conducted outside of the organism, usually in a controlled laboratory environment such as a cell culture or test tube. Tissues in vivo are the functional groups of cells and extracellular matrix…
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Molecular Therapeutics
Molecular therapeutics is a branch of medical science that focuses on the development of targeted therapies at the molecular level to treat diseases, particularly those with genetic or molecular origins. This field has emerged from the growing understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and genetic diseases, among others. Molecular…
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Sequence-Specific Gene
A sequence-specific gene refers to a gene that is regulated or influenced by a specific DNA sequence within its promoter or regulatory regions. These specific sequences, known as cis-regulatory elements or binding sites, are recognized by sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins, such as transcription factors, which bind to them and modulate gene expression. The binding of transcription…
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Plasmid DNA
Plasmid DNA refers to small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that exist independently of the chromosomal DNA in bacteria and some other organisms. Plasmids are typically found in bacteria, but they can also be present in archaea and eukaryotic organisms such as yeast. They can replicate autonomously within the host cell, meaning they do not need…
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Animal Models
Animal models are non-human organisms used in research to study biological processes, disease mechanisms, and potential treatments in a controlled experimental setting. These models provide valuable insights into human biology and disease, as many physiological processes and genetic features are conserved across different species. Researchers often use animal models to investigate the safety, efficacy, and…
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Human Diseases
Human diseases are disorders or dysfunctions that affect the normal functioning of the body, leading to physical or mental impairments, or both. Diseases can be caused by various factors, such as genetic mutations, infections, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, or a combination of these factors. Human diseases can be classified into several broad categories: Prevention and…
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Primary CellsÂ
Primary cells are cells that are directly isolated from living tissues or organs and then cultured in a laboratory environment. These cells maintain many of the characteristics and functions of the original cells in the organism, including their morphology, gene expression, and metabolic pathways. Primary cells are widely used in research because they provide a…
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In Vitro Targets
In vitro targets refer to molecules or biological processes that are studied or manipulated in a controlled laboratory environment outside of a living organism. In vitro (Latin for “in glass”) studies typically involve the use of purified proteins, nucleic acids, cell extracts, or cell cultures to investigate a wide range of biological phenomena, from molecular…