Reporter vectors to simplify miRNA target validation

Sigma Life Science and SwitchGear Genomics announce a joint project to develop and distribute a novel microRNA (miRNA) target reporter system.

Combining SwitchGear Genomics’ expertise with Sigma’s versatile lentiviral technology, these ready-to-use reporter vectors are expected to simplify miRNA target validation, enabling researchers to investigate gene regulation in a variety of biological pathways.

“This is a very exciting joint effort,” said Dr Nathan Trinklein, CEO and co-founder, SwitchGear. “We believe that combining unique technologies from SwitchGear Genomics with Sigma’s industry-leading lentiviral technology and production capabilities will enable researchers to study miRNA function and gene regulation on an unprecedented scale.”

The genome-wide collection of reporter vectors is expected to provide highly effective miRNA target validation without the need for time-consuming and laborious reporter cloning. Use of Sigma’s patented lentiviral technology is expected to allow the highly regarded SwitchGear GoClone miRNA target sets to be used in a broad range of cell types, including primary cells and stem cells.

“We are excited to partner with SwitchGear Genomics on the co-development of this unique vector system,” added Dr Supriya Shivakumar, global commercial marketing manager, functional genomics, Sigma. “By offering this novel reporter technology in a lentiviral format we are addressing specific customer needs and we believe we are helping to further fundamental understanding of gene regulation.”