Staying current with the latest genomic science
The human genome comprises approximately six billion DNA nucleotides distributed across 23 pairs of chromosomes, encoding the biological processes underlying health and disease. As genomic science accelerates, the tools for probing gene function must evolve to match this. Revvity’s Dharmacon™ reagents team develop tools that enable precise genome interrogation and modulation to support functional genomics, target validation, and translational research. Central to this effort is the accuracy and currency of the reference data used to design genomic reagents.
Our siRNA designs integrate curated RefSeq annotations from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) with our proprietary Dharmacon design algorithm1. Because RefSeq defines gene structures and transcript boundaries, it serves as a critical data source for selecting RNAi designs that specifically target the gene of interest. As transcript annotations continue to evolve, aligning siRNA designs with the latest bioinformatic and biological knowledge ensures sustained accuracy, confidence, and reproducibility.
siRNA designs that keep pace with today’s transcriptome
Advances in sequencing technologies and data curation have dramatically expanded RefSeq to approximately 175,000 human transcripts, uncovering increased isoform complexity, regulatory nuances, and refined transcript boundaries across protein-coding genes. To address the constant expansion of the transcriptome, our team has introduced a 2.0 version of our ON-TARGETplus™ siRNA.
The Dharmacon ON TARGETplus 2.0 siRNA portfolio modernizes a proven chemistry by realigning sequence design to the latest RefSeq annotations. Using curated NCBI RefSeq records together with our proprietary design algorithms, ON TARGETplus 2.0 prioritizes each gene’s primary (canonical) transcript and then extends coverage across additional, well supported isoforms. The underlying chemical modification pattern and core design rules remain unchanged, so researchers can expect the same potency, specificity, and reduced off target profile they trust—now applied to a more current picture of the transcriptome.
This re annotation has concrete gene level benefits. For genes whose models have become more complex, updated designs remove incomplete or deprecated transcripts and shift targeting toward full length, biologically relevant isoforms. That improves on target engagement, reduces unintended interactions with unrelated genes, and makes phenotypes easier to interpret in both focused studies and large scale screens.
ON TARGETplus 2.0 is therefore best viewed as a bioinformatic upgrade rather than a chemistry overhaul: existing ON TARGETplus data remain valuable, while new experiments gain from designs that track the latest genomic knowledge. By bringing siRNA content in line with current RefSeq, ON TARGETplus 2.0 helps keep RNAi experiments precise, reproducible, and ready to integrate with CRISPR and multi omic workflows as genomics continues to advance.
Learn more about ON TARGETplus 2.0 siRNA in a more technical blog here or browse for your siRNA on our ON-TARGETplus 2.0 product page.
