MicroRNA sponges: Progress and possibilities

The microRNA (miRNA) "sponge" method was introduced three years ago as a means to create continuous miRNA loss of function in cell lines and transgenic organisms. Sponge RNAs contain complementary binding sites to a miRNA of interest, and are produced from transgenes within cells. As with most miRNA target genes, a sponge's binding sites are specific to the miRNA seed region, which allows them to block a whole family of related miRNAs. This transgenic approach has proven to be a useful tool to probe miRNA functions in a variety of experimental systems. Here we will discuss the ways sponge and related constructs can be optimized and review recent applications of this method with particular emphasis on stable…

• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: P30-CA14051, R01-CA133404
• UP
  U.S. Public Health Service

  Awards: P30-CA14051, R01-CA133404
• NC
  National Cancer Institute

  Awards: P30-CA14051, CA14051