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miRTarBase update 2014: an information resource for experimentally validated miRNA-target interactions
Sheng-Da Hsu1, Yu-Ting Tseng, Sirjana Shrestha
1Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan, Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan, Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan, Molecular Bioinformatics Center, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan, Graduate Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan, Mackay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Taipei 112, Taiwan, Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan, and Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
The miRTarBase database now offers a 14-fold increase in experimentally validated microRNA (miRNA) target interactions. This enhanced resource includes miRNA-target networks and disease associations for better systems biology research.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Genomics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression.
- miRTarBase is a key resource for experimentally validated miRNA-target interactions.
- Previous versions of miRTarBase have provided foundational data since 2010.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the current status and recent improvements of the miRTarBase database.
- To highlight the expanded content and new features in version 4 (2013).
- To provide researchers with a comprehensive tool for miRNA target analysis.
Main Methods:
- Data compilation from over 100 published studies.
- Integration of miRNA-target interaction data.
- Development of a miRNA-target network visualization.
- Inclusion of miRNA and target gene expression profiles.
- Association of miRNA targets with relevant diseases.
Main Results:
- A 14-fold increase in miRNA-target interaction entries compared to the initial release.
- Introduction of a comprehensive miRNA-target network.
- Incorporation of expression profiles for miRNAs and their target genes.
- Mapping of miRNA targets to associated diseases.
- Enhanced database utilities including upgrade reminders and feedback systems.
Conclusions:
- The updated miRTarBase (version 4) significantly expands experimentally validated miRNA-target interactions.
- New features facilitate deeper understanding of miRNA regulatory networks and their roles in disease.
- The database serves as an invaluable, continuously improving resource for molecular biology and systems biology research.
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