Functional Analysis
To date, the functional roles of only a handful of miRNAs have been determined. These roles have been shown to encompass a wide range of biological functions ranging from developmental timing (e.g. lin-4 in C. elegans ), to apoptosis (e.g. bantam in Drosophila), to tissue growth (e.g. JAW in plants) [1,2]. These new findings suggest that the functions of miRNAs are even more varied and include a role in asymmetric gene expression [3]. Specific miRNA function can be examined by up and down regulating specific miRNA levels to study endogenous or reporter gene regulation and phenotypic response. microRNA functional analysis can be performed by using synthetic miRNA mimics (Pre-miR™ miRNA Precursors; Ambion) and miRNA inhibitors (Anti-miR™ miRNA Inhibitors; Ambion) which are now available for most known miRNAs.

Fundamental Research Questions As a unique class of small RNA molecules, miRNAs require special tools for accurate and sensitive analysis. Applied Biosystems scientists (now including Ambion) have developed a portfolio of products that provide a complete solution to accelerate identification and characterization of this class of tiny RNA regulators. These tools will help scientists answer fundamental miRNA research questions such as: which miRNAs are expressed, where and when are they expressed, what cell processes do miRNAs regulate, and which genes do miRNAs control (Figure 5). The relationship between mRNA and protein expression can now be easily studied, and this may lead to a new segment of targets for diagnostics and therapeutics.

Figure 5. miRNA Fundamental Research Questions

Product Information


References
1. Esquela-Kerscher A, Slack FJ (2006) Oncomirs - microRNAs with a role in cancer, Nat Rev Cancer 6(4):259-269.
2. Hammond SM (2006) MicroRNAs as oncogenes, Curr Opin Genet Dev. 16(1):4-9.
3. Johnston RJ, Hobert O. (2003) A microRNA controlling left/right neuronal asymmetry in Caenorhabditis elegans, Nature 426:845-9.


Scientific Contributors
Rick Conrad, Yvonne Potuceck, and Emily Zeringer, Ambion.



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