b_b and mk, I have had discussions with both of you in the past regarding miRNA and the possibilities it opens up in the world of science. Are we still at the nascent stages of understanding this field? What are some of the implications that could come from further miRNA research? Do you guys study this?
miRNA got us to siRNA and shRNA. All methods of inhibiting the transcription of specific genes. I spent the past 3 months designing and cloning shRNA into plasmids and then producing adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) that got injected into the eyes of mice. These AAVs of a specific serotype have the ability to infect only a specific subset of cells in the eye (retinal ganglion cells, RGCs). combined with shRNA, we can inhibit specific genes in this group of cells in the retina. We use this model to test for genes that play a role in axon regeneration. For me this is day to day work. But when I tell this to a friend who is not involved in medical research, they think I am some kind of science fiction wizard :D