Effect of the specific asymmerytic structure interfering RNA on ubiquitin specific peptidase 22 silencing in bladder cancer EJ cells

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of ubiquitin specific peptidase 22 (USP22) asymmetric structure interfering RNA (aiRNA) on USP22 gene silencing in bladder cancer EJ cells. Methods Control small interfering RNA (siRNA), the USP22-specific siRNA, and aiRNAs were designed and synthesized. The EJ cells were treated with control siRNA, USP22 siRNA or aiRNAs. The expression levels of USP22 mRNA were detected by using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR), and the effects of the siRNA- and aiRNA-mediated silence of the target USP22 gene expression were compared. Results In contrast to USP22 siRNA, the 50 nM 15/21 USP22 aiRNA displayed the strongest inhibitory activity among these inhibitory RNAs tested. After EJ cells were treated with 15/21 USP22 aiRNA for 48 h, the expression levels of USP22 mRNA were reduced to the lowest levels[(8.30 ±1.68)% ,P＜0.05]. Conclusion The USP22 gene silencing mediated by 15/21 USP22 aiRNA was efficient, durable and reduced off-target silencing and nonspecific effects. The technology of asymmetric structure iRNA may be a novel approach for the gene research. Key words: asymmetric structure interfering RNA; Ubiquitin specific peptidase 22; Gene silencing