Saturday, May 28, 2011

Dna Paternity Testing

In Part 1 of this article, we discuss some of the most common non-standard that is used to obtain DNA from an individual for DNA testing. In this article we look at the success rates of DNA extracted from different types of samples and how these may vary from sample to sample.

non-standard samples does not always guarantee that a DNA profile obtained. While for the buccal swabs can not get DNA, as in cases where the smear was not done properly or else mold grows swabs due to wet conditions of storage, general problems with these samples are usually less than 2%. Therefore, depending on the nature of the sample, not usually associated with a high probability, medium or low success in extracting DNA from each sample type (in some cases provides a percentage chance of success).

High (80%)For samples such as fresh blood stains or hairs with roots that, by a qualified DNA laboratory experience, is considered relatively simple DNA extraction. In such cases, provided that the sample was properly handled, both during collection and delivery to the laboratory, you can expect a high probability of success in extracting DNA.

Half (50% -60%): For samples such as cigarette butts, toothbrush or the success rate is influenced by a number of variables including face intensive use of light and / or storage conditions , etc. So the butt of a great smoked cigarettes at an ashtray at home is more likely to result in a successful DNA extraction lightly smoked a cigarette that has been lying in the street and exposed to atmospheric agents (rain, for example).

Under (20% - 30%) for samples such as teeth or bone, where DNA extraction is a process that consumes relatively difficult and time, these usually need to be managed by a highly specialized laboratory. In such cases, the person should consult with the first laboratory to check your level of experience, if they accept the sample and cost.

The above classification is however only a guideline, since as we have seen is not only the type of sample that is important, but also other variables that can influence, such as:

1. Poor storage conditions (for example, a damp environment, extreme heat, etc.)

2. Poor sample handling (possible contamination with DNA from other soil or touching the sample)

3. Not enough DNA present (eg heavily used toothbrush against used only once)

It is also important to note that the rate of success will depend largely on the ability of the laboratory performing the test. Not all laboratories that can perform DNA paternity testing with normal samples are able to obtain DNA from a wide variety of other media. The most difficult of the media (eg, teeth and bones), the greater the expertise and experience needed to increase the chance of a successful DNA extraction.

Finally, it is also important to note that non-standard samples, there is always the risk that the extraction will not work. So anyone considering the submission of the sample, especially where there may be a limited sample available (for example, a person has died) should take this into account. Selection of an experienced laboratory (possibly forensic specialist) will help minimize this risk.

Friday, May 20, 2011

RNA Interference

RNA interference (RNAi) or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a system within living cells that help control which genes are active and how active they are. siRNAs were first discovered by David Baulcombe's group in Norwich, England, as part of post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) in plants1 and subsequently independently identified in a wide variety of eukaryotic organisms. These dsRNAs are rapidly processed into short RNA duplexes of 21 to 28 nucleotides in length, which then guide the recognition and ultimately complement the division of single-stranded RNA, including messenger RNA or viral genomic / antigenomic RNA (Fig . 1). According to their source or function, naturally small RNA have been described: short interfering RNA (siRNA), repeat-associated short interfering RNA (siRNA rasiRNA o) and microRNA (miRNA). RNA interference has many biological functions - is a vital part of the immune response against viruses and also reduces the expression of genes through transcriptional silencing of genes upregulated or promoted by the activation of RNA. Finally, the artificial introduction of long dsRNA or siRNA has been adopted as a tool to inactivate gene expression in both cultured cells and in living organisms.

A biochemical understanding of RNAi pathway is essential to realize that dsRNAs less than 30 base pairs (bp) could be used to trigger an RNAi response in mammals. Tuschl and colleagues demonstrated that transfection of mammalian cells with short RNAs can induce sequence-specific RNAi pathway and therefore exceeded the barrier to the use of RNAi as a genetic tool mammals2. The impetus for using siRNAs and other small RNAs in mammalian cells also came from the long view that the receptor protein kinase (PKR) activation3 and similar responses have been triggered by short dsRNAs effectively. After initial reports, it took a very short period of time to siRNAs triggers to be adopted as a standard component of the toolbox of molecular biology. siRNAs can be introduced into mammalian cells using a variety of standard transfection methods. The intensity and duration of the silencing response is determined by several factors: a population basis, the silencing response is affected mainly by the overall efficiency of transfection, which can be addressed by optimizing the conditions. In each cell, silencing depends on the amount of siRNA that is delivered and the potential of each siRNA to suppress its target, or its power. Even a relatively powerless siRNA can silence its target, provided that sufficient amounts of siRNA were delivered. However, essentially "forcing" the system by providing large amounts of reagent can give rise to many undesirable effects.