Show simple item record

dc.contributor.advisorDesaulniers, Jean-Paul
dc.contributor.authorHammill, Matthew
dc.date.accessioned2017-11-16T17:19:24Z
dc.date.accessioned2022-03-29T17:39:22Z
dc.date.available2017-11-16T17:19:24Z
dc.date.available2022-03-29T17:39:22Z
dc.date.issued2017-08-01
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10155/836
dc.description.abstractShort interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are biopolymers that are used as post-transcriptional gene regulators and as a natural endogenous defense against attack from viruses. These molecules hold a great deal of interest as pharmaceuticals for the knockdown of unregulated genes, such as in cancers. Through chemical modification of the RNA structure, inherent limitations can be overcome to make better pharmaceuticals. This study investigated the incorporation of azobenzene derivative spacers into the RNA backbone replacing 2 base pairs. A small library of siRNAs were synthesized and then characterized bio-physically through several means. After bio-physical characterization, these siRNAs were tested in vitro against firefly luciferase in order to determine gene silencing efficacy. The ability of these azobenzene siRNAs to be controlled with light was then investigated. Our results indicate that these modifications are well tolerated within the RNAi pathway and have a robust ability to be activated and inactivated with UV (ultraviolet) and visible light to control gene silencing.en
dc.description.sponsorshipUniversity of Ontario Institute of Technologyen
dc.language.isoenen
dc.subjectsiRNAen
dc.subjectAzobenzeneen
dc.subjectPhotochemicalen
dc.subjectReversibleen
dc.titleThe synthesis and in vitro evaluation of chemically modified siRNAs that contain internal azobenzene derivative spacers for selective and tunable photocontrol of activityen
dc.typeThesisen
dc.degree.levelMaster of Science (MSc)en
dc.degree.disciplineApplied Bioscienceen


Files in this item

Thumbnail

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record