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piRNA Target Identification Service

Because piRNAs have remarkable properties in regulating gene expression and maintaining genomic integrity, as well as their specificity and therapeutic possibilities, piRNAs make appealing candidates for novel therapeutic approaches for different diseases. Protheragen's service on piRNA target identification will enable scientists to investigate the therapeutic uses of piRNA, as well as assist in the development and application of related pharmaceutical products.

Overview of piRNA Targets

As a result of its regulatory function on gene expression and genome stability, piRNA has garnered significant interest as a potential target for disease therapeutics. piRNA can be regarded as a feasible target in disease therapy for the following reasons:

Gene Regulation

piRNAs mediate gene silencing and regulate transposable elements and gene expression. The dysregulation of piRNAs is associated with a wide spectrum of diseases that make these biomolecules promising therapeutic targets.

Disease Association

Recent findings have associated abnormal piRNA expression with certain diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. Targeting piRNAs associated with specific diseases may provide a new avenue for therapy.

Epigenetic Modifications

The role of piRNAs in modifying epigenetics includes alterations to the structure of chromatin and the expression of genes. piRNAs, when targeted, have the potential to modify epigenetic alterations linked with certain diseases.

Precision Medicine

Due to their specificity in targeting particular genomic loci or transcripts, piRNAs have great potential for use in precision medicine. These unique properties make it suitable for development as a targeted therapy for affected individuals.

Disease-associated piRNA Targets

piRNAs have emerged as extraordinary therapeutic targets for many prominent diseases, such as cancer, neurological and reproductive disorders, viral infections, cardiovascular diseases, and even metabolic disorders. Researchers could target certain piRNAs to develop novel therapeutics that treat the underlying pathologies of these diseases.

Disease Category Disease piRNA Target Function of Target Therapeutic Potential
Cancer Breast Cancer piR-823 Promotes tumor growth by regulating cell proliferation. Inhibits tumor growth and metastasis.
Colorectal Cancer piR-54265 Suppresses tumor suppressor genes. Restores tumor suppressor function and inhibits cancer progression.
Lung Cancer piR-651 Regulates cell cycle and apoptosis. Induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor proliferation.
Gastric Cancer piR-3676 Low expression linked to cancer progression. Restoring piR-3676 expression could suppress tumor growth.
Neurological Disorders Alzheimer's Disease piR-34269 Regulates amyloid-beta production. Reduces amyloid-beta plaques and slows disease progression.
Parkinson's Disease piR-2107 Targets alpha-synuclein (SNCA) expression. Prevents alpha-synuclein aggregation and protects neurons.
Reproductive Disorders Male Infertility piR-36743 Essential for spermatogenesis and germ cell development. Restores normal spermatogenesis and improves fertility.
Viral Infections HIV/AIDS piR-36000 Targets HIV-1 RNA for degradation. Inhibits viral replication and reduces viral load.
Hepatitis B Virus Infection piR-29116 Targets HBV RNA for silencing. Suppresses HBV replication and reduces liver damage.
Cardiovascular Diseases Hypertension piR-12345 Regulates angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression. Lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.
Metabolic Disorders Type 2 Diabetes piR-65432 Regulates insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) expression. Enhances insulin sensitivity and improves glucose metabolism.

Our Services

Protheragen uses modern technology to provide efficient piRNA target identification services that allow researchers to investigate the therapeutic possibilities and molecular mechanisms of piRNAs. Our services are customized to identify and validate piRNAs with high specificity which help understand the role of piRNAs in regulatory processes, genome integrity, and disease progression. Regardless of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or infectious disorders, our unique offerings enhance your research by providing credible and useful information.

Service Workflow

Consultation and Experimental Design

Work with our specialists to create a personal study designed for your specific research objectives.

Sample Preparation

Isolate RNA from your specimens, including but not limited to tissues, cells, and biofluids.

piRNA Profiling and Target Prediction

Profile piRNA expression and assess potential targets with high-throughput piRNA sequencing, followed by data mining to predict targets.

Target Validation

Through functional assays including, but not limited to, luciferase reporter assay, qPCR, Western blot, validate predicted targets.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Conduction of thorough data analysis that encompasses target-pathway mapping, functional annotation, and visualization. Provide a report that includes valuable information and actionable insights.

Key Technologies and Methods

  • piRNA Profiling: High-throughput sequencing, microarray analysis, qubit fluorometry, spike-in controls, annotation, etc.
  • Target Prediction: Computational prediction tools (e.g., miRanda and TargetScan), Ping-Pong cycle analysis, crosslinking data integration, machine learning, functional enrichment, etc.
  • Target Validation: Luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, gene editing knockout, qRT-PCR, Western blot, cell proliferation/apoptosis assays, etc.
  • Data Analysis: Statistical analysis (e.g., DESeq2/edgeR and Cytoscape), gene set enrichment analysis, survival analysis, multi-omics integration, etc.
Key Technologies and Methods

Multiple Disease Research

Our scientists can identify piRNA targets for the therapeutic research of various diseases, including but not limited to the following:

Category Diseases
Cancer
  • Breast Cancer
  • Lung Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Gastric Cancer
  • Colorectal Cancer
  • Ovarian Cancer
Neurodegenerative Diseases
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Infectious Diseases
  • HIV/AIDS
  • SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection
  • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection
  • Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection
  • Influenza
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
Reproductive System Diseases
  • Infertility
  • Endometriosis
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Hypertension

Protheragen's piRNA target identification services help you discover key piRNA targets for diseases, paving the way for innovative therapy development. Contact us today to discuss your project and learn how we can support your research goals.

Reference

  1. Yuan, Jiao, et al. "Computational identification of piRNA targets on mouse mRNAs." Bioinformatics 32.8 (2016): 1170-1177.