Glucan-Encapsulated siRNA Particles (GeRPs) for Specific Gene Silencing in Adipose Tissue Macrophages

Methods Mol Biol. 2019:1951:49-57. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9130-3_4.

Abstract

Macrophages are cells of the immune system that have been suggested as important regulators of whole-body metabolism in mammals. In obesity, adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) are thought to play both a detrimental and a beneficial role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity. Here, we describe a protocol to prepare and administer glucan-encapsulated RNAi particles (GeRPs), for specific delivery of siRNA and subsequent gene silencing in ATMs in obese mice. Using the GeRP technology to silence genes provides a unique method to study the function of factors expressed by ATMs in the regulation of metabolism.

Keywords: Adipose tissue; Delivery; Diabetes; Gene silencing; Inflammation; Innate immunity; Insulin sensitivity; Macrophages; Obesity; RNAi.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / cytology*
  • Animals
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Silencing*
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Glucans* / chemistry
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles* / ultrastructure
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*

Substances

  • Glucans
  • RNA, Small Interfering