RESUMEN
The RNA interference [RNAi] has the ability to turn off individual gene expression. So, it affords a remarkably specific tool for studying the effects of genes. It is regarded as a direct approach for determining such gene/genes functions and offers a valuable tool for modern drug discovery. The study aimed to develop in vitro RNAi in Brugia malayi with particular interest to study the function of Brugia malayi avr-14 [Bm-avr-14] and Brugia malayi beta-tubulin [Bm- beta -tubulin] genes. Bm-avr-14 is a gene encoding glutamate gated chloride channel [GluCl] which binds ivermectin and Bm- beta -tubulin is a gene encoding beta-tubulin which binds albendazole. Adult female worms were soaked in heterogeneous short interfering RNA [hsiRNA] with interest to study the role of two genes Bm-avr-14 and Bm-beta-tubulin. Then, we assessed the knock down effects of target genes using worminator system and real time PCR. We found that worms treated with hsiRNA of Bm-avr-14 had a significant reduction in microfilariae [mf] production in comparison with untreated worms or worms treated with hsiRNA of green fluorescent protein [GFP]. No significant reduction in mf production with Bnz-beta-tubulin gene was obtained. There were no changes in the movement of adults treated with either Bm-avr-14 or Bm-beta-tubulin hsiRNAs. Inconsistent RNAi mediated suppression was achieved with Bm-avr-14 and Bm-beta-tubulin using real time PCR. The data may be helpful in assessment of drug target potential of genes