Several methods are commonly used to achieve gene knockdown:
1. RNA Interference (RNAi): This method employs small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to target and degrade specific mRNA molecules, thereby reducing protein synthesis. 2. Antisense Oligonucleotides: These are short, synthetic strands of DNA that bind to mRNA and block its translation. 3. CRISPR Interference (CRISPRi): An adapted form of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, CRISPRi uses a catalytically inactive Cas9 protein (dCas9) fused with a repressor domain to inhibit gene transcription.