Mapping Pain Pathways in the CNS

Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) distributes the highly informative newsletter, DECODED. In this quarter’s edition the work carried out by Dr Philippe Sarret and colleagues is discussed in detail.

Sarret’s laboratory is based at the Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, where researchers are  investigating novel ways to develop analgesics and are the first to attempt RNA interference (RNAi) via direct in vivo targeting of genes expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). Using IDT’s Dicer-substrate RNAs (DsiRNAs), the team is specifically targeting pain-modulating pathways such as that mediated by the nueropeptide, neurotensin.

DsiRNAs have increased potency compared to traditional small interfering RNAs, achieving sustained knockdown at  subnanomolar concentrations. Full details of this research can be found by downloading the latest edition of IDT’s DECODED newsletter, which also provides technology overviews, interviews, and procedural recommendations relating to oligonucleotides and their applications.