Efficiency of si-RNA-mediated knock-down of beta-catenin in primary cultured rat Schwann cells

Introduction: Myelinating Schwann Cells (SC) are affected by various genetic diseases of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) resulting in demyelination. In most forms like hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies (HMSN) causative treatment is not available. RNA interference (RNAi) was shown to be an appropriate tool for normalization of altered gene expression. In mammalian cells RNAi can be used to suppress expression of specific genes in vitro and in vivo. To test applicability and efficiency of RNAi in SC we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) against the cell adhesion molecule beta-catenin which is supposed…