Examples of hairpinRNAi with different genes

CSIRO’s hairpinRNAi makes the process of gene discovery easier than ever before. It offers a set of distinct and superior tools and rules for selectively targeting and knocking out or knocking down either individual genes or combination of genes. It has the ability to modulate silencing and works in both model and crop plants.

HairpinRNAi has been used to knock out or knock down the activities of a diverse range of genes. Silencing of the following genes validates the power of hairpinRNAi in uncovering the function of an array of genes involved in primary and secondary metabolism, pigment synthesis, photosensory perception, etc.

FAD2-1 gene responsible for fatty acid desaturation in Arabidopsis. When silenced, leads to plants high in stearic acid and oleic acid. (Smith et al., 2000, Nature 407: 319-320)
Agamous, Clavata 3, Apetala 1, and Perianthia - genes responsible for flower morphology, in Arabidopsis - when silenced caused specific and heritable genetic interference. (Chaung et al., 2000, PNAS, 97, 4985-4990).
CBL - a gene coding for cystathionine beta lyase in Arabidopsis, first report of silencing an essential gene in methionine biosynthesis (Levin et al., 2000, Plant. Mol. Biol 44, 759-775).
FLC (figure) when silenced makes the plants flower early because its function is to repress flowering (Wesley et al., 2001, Plant J. 27: 581-590).
Chalcone synthase (figure) - plays a role in pigment formation in plants - the silenced plant produced pale yellow seed (Wesley et al., 2001, Plant J. 27: 581-590).
EIN-2 (figure) - gene responsible for ethylene perception (Wesley et al., 2001, Plant J. 27: 581-590).
GUS (figure) - a popular reporter gene (Wesley et al., 2001, Plant J. 27: 581-590).
Phytoene desaturase (figure) which when silenced forms bleached plants – this is because carotenoid pigments prevent chlorophyll photobelaching (Helliwell et al., 2002, Functional Plant Biology, 29: 1217-1225).
TOC1 gene - TOC1 is an important component of the circadian clock in Arabidopsis with a crucial function in the integration of light signals to control circadian and morphogenic responses (Mas et al., 2003, Plant Cell, 15: 223-236).
High-affinity salicylic acid-binding protein - required for plant innate immunity and has salicylic acid-stimulated lipase activity (Kumar and Klessig, 2003, PNAS, 100: 16101-16106).
Ribosomal protein L3 genes in N-tabacum reveals coordinate expression and significant alterations in plant growth, development and ribosome biogenesis (Popescu et al., 2004, Plant J, 39: 29-44).
GLX1, a maize kernel stress related gene with an effect on aflatoxin production (Chen et al., 2004, Phytopathology 94: 938-945).
AtBRM - required for vegetative and reproductive development (Farrona et al., 2004, Development 131: 4965-4975).
Plastidic ATP/ADP transporters AtNTT1 and AtNTT2 have significant control of lipid synthesis in developing Arabidopsis seeds and are required for both an undisturbed development of young tissues and a controlled cellular metabolism in mature leaves (Reiser et al., 2004, Plant Physiology, 136: 3524-3536).
MSH4, a meiosis-specific member with a role in reproduction. (Higgins et al., 2004, Genes and Development, 18: 2557-2570).
FHY3/FAR1- genes involved in light control of plant development (Lin and Wang, 2004, Plant Physiology 136: 4010-4022).
Bes1 gene encoding a novel transcription factor involved in brassinosteroid- regulated gene expression. Plant steroid hormones called brassinosteroids (BRs) regulate many growth and developmental processes, such as cell elongation, vascular development, senescence, stress responses, and photomorphogenesis (Yin et al., 2005, Cell 120: 249-259).
The phosphoglucan water dikinase - identification of a novel enzyme required for starch metabolism in Arabidopsis leaves. The phosphorylation of amylopectin by the glucan, water dikinase is an essential step in starch metabolism. (Kotting et al., 2005, Plant Physiology, 137: 242-252).