A Laboratory-intensive Course on RNA Interference and Model Organisms
A Laboratory-intensive Course on RNA Interference and Model Organisms
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DOI：
10.1187/cbe.09-02-0012
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发表时间：
2009-12-01
影响因子：
3.7
通讯作者：
Carson, Susan
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
Miller, Joanna A.;Witherow, D. Scott;Carson, Susan
RNA 干扰 (RNAi) 是一种在多种生物体中沉默基因表达的强大方法，不仅作为研究科学家的有用工具，而且作为临床试验中的一类新型疗法，引起了人们的兴趣。在此，我们报告具有基本分子生物学背景的本科生和研究生在完成为期 8 周的 RNAi 强化课程（每周 2 小时的讲座和 5 小时的实验室）后，能够展示使用 RNAi 作为研究工具的概念知识和技术技能。学生们接受了在模式生物中设计 RNAi 实验的指导，并根据课堂上阅读和讨论的期刊文章进行了为期数周的实验室课程。学生们利用本塞姆氏烟草、秀丽隐杆线虫和哺乳动物细胞培养物，通过表型变异的定性评估和 RNA 水平或蛋白质水平的定量测量来分析沉默的程度。我们在两个学期内对课程进行了评估，每个学期都有一位单独的讲师。在这两个学期中，我们通过成功的实验室实验结果以及教师对考试和实验室报告的积极评估证明，学生达到了预期的学习成果。学生的自我评估表明他们对概念知识和实践技能的信心增强。我们的数据还表明，该课程适用于具有不同专业知识的不同教师。
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful method to silence gene expression in a variety of organisms and is generating interest not only as a useful tool for research scientists but also as a novel class of therapeutics in clinical trials. Here, we report that undergraduate and graduate students with a basic molecular biology background were able to demonstrate conceptual knowledge and technical skills for using RNAi as a research tool upon completion of an intensive 8-wk RNAi course with a 2-h lecture and 5-h laboratory per week. Students were instructed on design of RNAi experiments in model organisms and perform multiweek laboratory sessions based on journal articles read and discussed in class. Using Nicotiana benthamiana, Caenorhabditis elegans, and mammalian cell culture, students analyzed the extent of silencing using both qualitative assessment of phenotypic variations and quantitative measurements of RNA levels or protein levels. We evaluated the course over two semesters, each with a separate instructor. In both semesters, we show students met expected learning outcomes as demonstrated by successful laboratory experiment results, as well as positive instructor assessments of exams and lab reports. Student self-assessments revealed increased confidence in conceptual knowledge and practical skills. Our data also suggest that the course is adaptable to different instructors with varying expertise.