Mirbase

Definition

Mirbase is a comprehensive database that provides information on microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non-coding RNA molecules involved in the regulation of gene expression. This resource serves as a critical tool for researchers studying miRNA sequences, their targets, and their roles in various biological processes, connecting to both nucleotide sequence databases and non-coding RNA analysis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mirbase hosts data on over 38,000 mature miRNA sequences from a variety of organisms, providing a valuable reference for researchers.
2. The database includes information about the genomic location of miRNAs, their expression profiles, and associated literature, which helps facilitate the study of miRNA functions.
3. Mirbase is continuously updated with new entries and annotations as research progresses in the field of miRNA biology.
4. Researchers can use Mirbase to identify conserved miRNAs across species, aiding in evolutionary studies and functional predictions.
5. The database also provides tools for searching specific miRNAs and exploring their predicted targets, making it easier to understand their regulatory roles.

Review Questions

• How does mirbase enhance our understanding of microRNA sequences and their functions?
  • Mirbase enhances our understanding of microRNA sequences by providing a centralized repository of data, including mature miRNA sequences, their genomic locations, and expression profiles. This information is crucial for researchers aiming to investigate how specific miRNAs regulate gene expression and contribute to various biological processes. By offering access to curated literature associated with these miRNAs, mirbase allows researchers to connect experimental findings with existing knowledge.
• Discuss the significance of mirbase in the context of non-coding RNA analysis and its impact on biological research.
  • Mirbase plays a significant role in non-coding RNA analysis by serving as a key resource for understanding the regulatory functions of microRNAs within the broader landscape of ncRNA research. By providing detailed annotations and sequence information, mirbase supports researchers in identifying potential interactions between miRNAs and their target genes. This capability is vital for investigating the involvement of miRNAs in various diseases and developmental processes, ultimately impacting therapeutic strategies.
• Evaluate how mirbase integrates with other bioinformatics tools to advance the study of microRNAs and their target interactions.
  • Mirbase integrates with various bioinformatics tools like TargetScan to advance the study of microRNAs by offering predictions on their target interactions. Researchers can utilize mirbase data alongside these tools to gain insights into how specific miRNAs influence gene expression and cellular pathways. The combination of sequence data from mirbase with predictive models enhances our understanding of miRNA functionality, paving the way for further investigations into their roles in health and disease, as well as potential applications in gene therapy.

Related terms

microRNA: Short, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences on messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, often resulting in gene silencing.

ncRNA: Non-coding RNA refers to RNA molecules that do not encode proteins but play essential roles in regulating gene expression and maintaining cellular functions.

TargetScan: A bioinformatics tool that predicts biological targets of miRNAs by analyzing the complementarity between miRNAs and their potential mRNA targets.