Problem: A variety of research technologies that make use of exogenous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are used in cell biology research. These involve the introduction of specific types of ncRNA in order to manipulate an aspect of the recipient cell. In each case, the ability to target a specific endogenous nucleic acid is crucial to the technique.
Three different applications of such technologies that make use of ncRNAs are outlined below. For each, describe (in a few sentences) the approach that is involved and explain how target specificity is assured in its application.
a. Manipulation of cultured mammalian cells to down-regulate levels of a particular protein to investigate its function.
b. Manipulation of cells to suppress the actions of an endogenous miRNA to investigate its role in a cell.
c. Genome modification (genome editing) to make targeted changes to the genome of living cells.