Title:High-Throughput Techniques for Identifying microRNA Target Genes
Volume: 10
Issue: 4
Author(s): Lin Chen, Jia Hou and Lei Liu
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Biochemical approaches, high throughput, microarray analysis, microRNA, proteome analysis, rapid amplification,
target gene.
Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of cell biological processes with
approximately 21–25 nucleotides in length. They are thought to suppress protein coding gene
expression through translation inhibition or (and) mRNA decay through leading the RNAi-induced
silencing complex (RISC) to complementary sites in the 3' untranslated region of the target mRNA.
Studies have shown widespread regulation of protein levels by miRNAs in cellular and animal models. Some computeraided
putative target genes have been validated using a single target gene identification method, such as luciferase reporter
assays or EGFP/RFP reporter assay. However, many of other target genes are unknown and need to be experimentally
validated. Recently, high-throughput multiple target screening assays that enable a large-scale, efficient and multi-level
study are expected to greatly improve the target identification methods. In this review, current high-throughput
technologies for identifying miRNAs target genes are introduced, together with perspectives on further developments in
this field.
