About Workshop
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have transformed molecular biology by offering precise and effective gene silencing solutions. This 2-day hands-on workshop dives into the foundational principles of RNA interference (RNAi) and guides participants through the process of understanding, designing, and analyzing siRNA molecules using leading bioinformatics tools.
The program is structured to provide clarity on the distinctions between siRNA, miRNA, and shRNA, while introducing RNA secondary structures and prediction tools like RNAfold, Mfold, and RNAstructure. Participants will also gain practical experience with ÎG analysis, structure ensemble generation, and siRNA design using Genscript. This course bridges the gap between theory and application, preparing attendees for careers in molecular biology, therapeutics, and RNA-based drug design.
Aim
To equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of RNA interference mechanisms, siRNA biology, and the computational tools used to design effective siRNA molecules for gene silencing in therapeutics and research.
What Participants Will Learn
- Understand the molecular basis of RNA interference and siRNA.
- Differentiate between siRNA, miRNA, and shRNA and their applications.
- Analyze RNA secondary structures using bioinformatics tools.
- Gain hands-on experience with ÎG interpretation and RNA folding.
- Learn practical siRNA design using Genscript and evaluate for efficiency.
Structure
Day 1: siRNA and RNA Structure Fundamentals
- Introduction to RNAi and siRNA
- siRNA vs miRNA vs shRNA
- Applications in therapeutics and gene regulation
- siRNA structure and functional rules
- Off-target effects and GC content
- Introduction to RNA secondary structures
- RNA folding: base pairing, stem-loops, hairpins
- RNA structure formats
Day 2: Tools and Hands-On Design
- RNA structure prediction tools: RNAfold (ViennaRNA), Mfold, RNAstructure
- Hands-on: Free energy (ÎG) interpretation Structure ensemble generation
- Genscript â siRNA design
- Hands-on siRNA sequence design
Important Dates
Registration Ends
6:00 PM
Workshop Dates
2025-08-29
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
What You Will Gain
Outcomes
- Solid foundation in RNAi and gene silencing
- Hands-on expertise with top RNA structure prediction tools
- Capability to design effective siRNAs with reduced off-target effects
- Enhanced understanding of RNA secondary structure and folding
- Confidence to pursue research or job roles in RNA-based biotech
Who Should Attend
- B.Tech / B.Sc / M.Sc / M.Tech graduates or final-year students from Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, or allied disciplines
- Researchers and industry professionals working in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical R&D, or related areas
- Anyone interested in Transcriptomics, Computational Biology, or exploring careers in bioinformatics and RNA-based technologies