Approaches to microRNA discovery
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
Eugene Berezikov1, Edwin Cuppen, Ronald H A Plasterk
1Hubrecht Laboratory, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that can regulate gene expression. Several hundred genes encoding miRNAs have been experimentally identified in animals, and many more are predicted by computational methods. How can new miRNAs be discovered and distinguished from other types of small RNA? Here we summarize current methods for identifying and validating miRNAs and discuss criteria used to define an miRNA.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...

