Åke Borg
Principal investigator
Passenger strand loading in overexpression experiments using microRNA mimics.
Author
Summary, in English
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene function and manipulation of miRNAs is a central component of basic research. Modulation of gene expression by miRNA gain-of-function can be based on different approaches including transfection with miRNA mimics; artificial, chemically modified miRNA-like small RNAs. These molecules are intended to mimic the function of a miRNA guide strand while bypassing the maturation steps of endogenous miRNAs. Due to easy accessibility through commercial providers this approach has gained popularity, and accuracy is often assumed without prior independent testing. Our in silico analysis of over-represented sequence motifs in microarray expression data and sequencing of AGO-associated small RNAs indicate, however, that miRNA mimics may be associated with considerable side-effects due to the unwanted activity of the miRNA mimic complementary strand.
Department/s
- Breastcancer-genetics
- BioCARE: Biomarkers in Cancer Medicine improving Health Care, Education and Innovation
Publishing year
2015
Language
English
Pages
787-791
Publication/Series
RNA Biology
Volume
12
Issue
8
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Topic
- Cell and Molecular Biology
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1547-6286