Abstract
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that act as negative regulators of the genomic output. Their intrinsic importance within cell biology and human disease is well known. Their mechanism of action based on the base pairing binding to their cognate targets have helped the development not only of many computer applications for the prediction of miRNA target recognition but also of specific applications for functional assessment and analysis. Learning about miRNA function requires practical training in the use of specific computer and web-based applications that are complementary to wet-lab studies. In order to guide the learning process about miRNAs, we have created miRNAtools (http://mirnatools.eu), a web repository of miRNA tools and tutorials. This article compiles tools with which miRNAs and their regulatory action can be analyzed and that function to collect and organize information dispersed on the web. The miRNAtools website contains a collection of tutorials that can be used by students and tutors engaged in advanced training courses. The tutorials engage in analyses of the functions of selected miRNAs, starting with their nomenclature and genomic localization and finishing with their involvement in specific cellular functions.
Highlights
Micro-RNAs are small non-coding RNAs, firstly described in the early 1990s by Victor Ambros, Gary Ruvkun, and their respective research groups [1,2]
During the last six years, we have been involved in advanced teaching initiatives for students in biomedical sciences ranging from the post-graduate to the post-doctoral level within the field of miRNAs and other ncRNAs
There was a clear need for specialized teaching material devoted to the study of miRNAs and other ncRNAs that could be employed as self-teaching tools and as conducting scripts for advanced courses
Summary
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), firstly described in the early 1990s by Victor Ambros, Gary Ruvkun, and their respective research groups [1,2]. These tiny ncRNAs associated with specific proteins act as negative post-transcriptional regulators by binding to the. In plants, the complementarity of the miRNA and its target is typically higher than 90% These different pairing rules in animals and plants are translated in different immediate regulatory effects. Non-coding RNA 2018, 4, 5 are present simultaneously in the same biological environment This is the subjacent reason below the variety of regulatory effects of the same miRNA when we consider a different cellular context. The web landscape is densely populated with web tools designed for miRNA analysis, which in many cases are not so easy to find or to use
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
