title: Refining microRNA target predictions: sorting the wheat from the chaff.
abstract: microRNAs are short RNAs that reduce gene expression by binding to their targets. The accurate prediction 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 methods for identifying mammalian microRNA targets and refining them for further experimental validation. We describe microRNA target prediction resources and procedures and how they integrate with various types of experimental techniques that aim to validate them or further explore their function. We also provide a list of target prediction databases and explain how these are curated.
authors: Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenarym Institute, University of Sydney, Locked Bag No 6, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia. Electronic address: w.ritchie@centenary.usyd.edu.au.
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Ritchie
authors: Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenarym Institute, University of Sydney, Locked Bag No 6, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia. Electronic address: j.rasko@centenary.usyd.edu.au.
authors: John E J
authors: JE
authors: Rasko
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D023281:Genomics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs
keywords: Bioinformatics; gene regulation; microRNA target prediction