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MicroRNA Target Prediction and Validation

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MicroRNA Cancer Regulation

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 774))

Abstract

The accurate prediction and validation of microRNA targets is essential to understanding the function of microRNAs. Computational predictions indicate that all human genes may be regulated by microRNAs, with each microRNA possibly targeting thousands of genes. Here we discuss computational and experimental methods for identifying mammalian microRNA targets. We describe microRNA target prediction resources and procedures that are suitable for experiments where more accurate prediction of microRNA targets is more important than detecting all putative targets. We then discuss experimental methods for identifying and validating microRNA target genes, with an emphasis on the target reporter assay as the method of choice for specifically testing functional microRNA target sites.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank DIM Biothérapies, Stem Pole Ile-de-France, Cure The Future (Cell and Gene Trust), the Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation and the Cancer Council NSW [Project Grant 1006260] and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council [Training Fellowship 571156] for support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Locked Bag No 6, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia

    William Ritchie & John E. J. Rasko

  2. Cell and Molecular Therapies, RPA Hospital, Locked Bag No 6, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia

    John E. J. Rasko

  3. INSERM UMR-935, Campus CNRS, Bâtiment A, 7 rue Guy Môquet, 94802, Villejuif, France

    Stéphane Flamant

Authors
  1. William Ritchie
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  2. John E. J. Rasko
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  3. Stéphane Flamant
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to William Ritchie .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany

    Ulf Schmitz

  2. Dept. of Systems Biology and Bioinformat, Universität Rostock Institut of Computer Science, Rostock, Germany

    Olaf Wolkenhauer

  3. Rostock, Germany

    Julio Vera

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Ritchie, W., Rasko, J.E.J., Flamant, S. (2013). MicroRNA Target Prediction and Validation. In: Schmitz, U., Wolkenhauer, O., Vera, J. (eds) MicroRNA Cancer Regulation. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 774. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5590-1_3

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