MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNA molecules that play an essential role in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and protein production in the cell. Their activity can be regulated by anti-miRNA technology.

What are miRNAs …?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNA molecules naturally present in the cell that play an essential role in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.

miRNAs bind to target mRNAs and inhibit protein synthesis.

Some diseases are caused by imbalances in protein production within the cell and therefore the mechanisms regulated by miRNAs are of great interest in biopharmaceutical research.

•

… and what about anti-miRNA?

A miRNA can be inhibited using a synthetic single-stranded RNA oligonucleotide (called antimiR) with a sequence complementary to that of the miRNA.

As a result of this binding, miRNA activity is inhibited. This is the basis for the development of anti-miRNA drugs where synthetically designed molecules are used to neutralize the function of specific microRNAs in cells to obtain the desired responses.

Anti-miRNA oligonucleotides have many uses in cell mechanics.