Small activating RNA (saRNA) uses RNA activation (RNAa) to upregulate endogenous gene expression. As short double-stranded RNA targeting gene promoters, it recruits the RITA complex as an "ON switch" and may reverse epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes. Custom saRNA Synthesis Service offers high-purity, validated saRNA via proprietary RNAa sequence design and advanced LNP formulation to accelerate therapeutic development.
Creative Biolabs' service provides tools to restore underexpressed/silenced target gene function, delivers high-specificity RNAa molecules with a unique "ON switch" for tough targets, and covers solutions from design and modification to delivery.
Discover How We Can Help - Request a ConsultationSmall Activating RNA (saRNA) is a synthetic, double-stranded oligonucleotide typically 21 to 30 nucleotides in length. It is chemically distinct from siRNA (which silences genes) and mRNA (which translates protein) because its primary function is to directly initiate and enhance the transcription of target genes, rather than mediating degradation or providing a template for translation.
Fig.1 The replication cycle and main steps of saRNA in host cells.1
The underlying principle is RNA activation (RNAa). The saRNA molecule is designed to bind to a specific region within the promoter of a target gene. Once bound, it initiates the recruitment of the RITA complex, which is believed to include transcription factors and chromatin-modifying enzymes. This activity promotes an open chromatin state and stimulates the cell's own machinery to increase the transcription rate of the targeted gene, thus leading to the upregulation of the corresponding protein product.
The use of saRNA offers several distinct advantages for therapeutic development:
The typical timeframe for this service ranges from 8 to 14 weeks, depending on the complexity of the target gene and the required modification/formulation scope.
| Required Starting Materials | Key Steps Involved | Final Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Target Gene Sequence: Full genomic sequence, including the promoter region. |
Target Validation & Design Creative Biolabs experts identify optimal activation regions and use proprietary ML algorithms to design specific saRNA sequences (optimizing length, GC content, secondary structure). |
Final Purified saRNA Product: GMP-grade or Research-grade purified saRNA oligonucleotide (e.g., 1 mg to 1 g scale). |
| Target Cell Line: Information on the expression context (e.g., cancer cell line, primary tissue) for validation. |
Custom Modification & Synthesis Incorporate chemical modifications (e.g., N1-methylpseudouridine, Cap 1) to boost stability and translation efficiency, followed by advanced solid-phase or enzymatic synthesis. |
Characterization Report: Detailed data on purity (≥95%), sequence confirmation, molecular weight analysis, and LNP characterization (size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency). |
| Delivery Strategy Preference (if any): E.g., desired LNP composition or targeting ligand for conjugation. |
LNP Formulation & Encapsulation Purified saRNA is encapsulated into optimized LNPs via microfluidics, ensuring consistent size and high encapsulation efficiency for optimal in vivo delivery. |
Functional Validation Data: Results from in vitro assays (qPCR and Western Blot) demonstrating confirmed target gene activation and protein upregulation in the client's supplied cell system. |
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Functional Assessment & Optimization LNP samples undergo comprehensive stability analysis and cell-based activity testing. Optimization adjusts LNP composition (ICLs vs. PCLs) or saRNA modifications based on performance. |
Creative Biolabs offers an unparalleled, fully integrated service dedicated to accelerating your next-generation saRNA therapeutic development. We don't just synthesize—we provide a de-risked path to clinical readiness, managed by industry experts.
Integrated End-to-End Development
A streamlined, one-stop service covering everything from proprietary saRNA sequence design, high-fidelity synthesis, and sophisticated LNP formulation to comprehensive functional validation.
Precision Design and Activation
Utilization of our advanced RNA Activation (RNAa) design platform and Machine Learning tools to generate saRNA with guaranteed specificity for optimal target promoter binding and robust gene upregulation.
Advanced LNP Delivery Optimization
Custom formulation using next-generation, low-toxicity Ionizable Cationic Lipids (ICLs), ensuring maximized cellular uptake and efficient cytosolic release—the key to effective in vivo saRNA delivery.
Custom Chemical Modification
Expert selection and incorporation of stability-enhancing modifications (e.g., Cap 1, N1-methylpseudouridine) tailored to your specific application to maximize in vivo half-life and minimize off-target immune responses.
Scalable GMP-Ready Production
Flexible, high-capacity synthesis from research-scale batches to GMP-grade, large-scale production (gram-scale), providing a seamless transition pathway from discovery to preclinical and clinical trials.
saRNA Design
Fig.2 Schematic diagram of the genomic structure of capped saRNA.2
Transfection Efficiency
Fig.3 The expression of eGFP in SARNA-EGFP-transfected HEK 293T cells on the 1st, 2nd, and 5th days after transfection.2
Encapsulation Efficiency
Fig.4 The encapsulation efficiency of saRNA-cLNP is relatively high.2
Cytotoxicity
Fig.5 saRNA-cLNP does not have significant cytotoxicity.2
A: Our saRNA is specifically designed for gene activation, making it ideal for targets that are underexpressed or silenced (e.g., tumor suppressors, developmental factors). If your goal is gene knockdown, we recommend inquiring about our robust Custom siRNA Synthesis Service, which is optimized for RNA interference (RNAi) and is highly effective for silencing.
A: We tackle delivery through our specialized LNP formulation services. We prioritize Ionizable Cationic Lipids (ICLs), which offer superior in vivo safety profiles compared to permanently charged lipids. For stability, we incorporate proprietary chemical modifications like Cap 1 structures and modified bases during synthesis, which are proven to enhance the half-life and translational longevity of the saRNA.
A: Small Activating RNA (saRNA), which is the focus of this service, does not carry any risk of generating infectious particles as it does not contain the viral replicase genes necessary for self-amplification. However, if your project requires Self-Amplifying RNA (saRNA) for vaccine purposes, Creative Biolabs employs advanced safety strategies like the Trans-Amplifying RNA (taRNA) system to specifically mitigate any recombination risk.
A: Our synthesis platform is fully scalable, supporting batch sizes ranging from small research-grade quantities (milligrams) up to large-scale, high-yield GMP production (gram-scale) required for IND-enabling studies and early clinical phases. The specific turnaround time and cost will depend on the final required scale and complexity of modifications. Please contact us to discuss your scale-up requirements.
Creative Biolabs is your end-to-end partner for next-generation nucleic acid therapeutics. Our Custom saRNA Synthesis Service empowers you to precisely control endogenous gene expression, backed by industry-leading expertise in LNP formulation and comprehensive RNA engineering. We provide the quality, validated product, and strategic insight required to accelerate your project from bench to clinic.
Contact Our Team for More Information and to Discuss Your Project| Cat. No | Product Name | Promoter |
|---|---|---|
| CAT#: GTVCR-WQ001MR | IVTScrip™ pT7-mRNA-EGFP Vector | T7 |
| CAT#: GTVCR-WQ002MR | IVTScrip™ pT7-VEE-mRNA-EGFP Vector | T7 |
| CAT#: GTVCR-WQ003MR | IVTScrip™ pT7-VEE-mRNA-FLuc Vector | T7 |
| CAT#: GTVCR-WQ87MR | IVTScrip™ pT7-VEE-mRNA-Anti-SELP, 42-89-glycoprotein Vector | T7 |
| Cat. No | Product Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CAT#: GTTS-WQ001MR) | IVTScrip™ mRNA-EGFP (Cap 1, 30 nt-poly(A)) | Reporter Gene |
| CAT#: GTTS-WK18036MR | IVTScrip™ mRNA-Human AIMP2, (Cap 1, Pseudo-UTP, 120 nt-poly(A)) | Enzyme mRNA |
| (CAT#: GTTS-WQ004MR) | IVTScrip™ mRNA-Fluc (Cap 1, 30 nt-poly(A)) | Reporter Gene |
| (CAT#: GTTS-WQ009MR) | IVTScrip™ mRNA-β gal (Cap 1, 30 nt-poly(A)) | Reporter Gene |
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