An Assessment of the Next Generation of Animal miRNA Target Prediction Algorithms

The advent of genome-wide next-generation sequencing technologies has revolutionized the genomic and transcriptomic fields. New technologies also present an opportunity for greater discovery and understanding of post-transcriptional processes, in particular, translational inhibition of transcripts by miRBP (microRNA-RNA binding protein) complexes. Not only have novel methodologies been developed for the direct sequencing of RBP-bound RNA, but a new class of miRNA (microRNA) target prediction algorithms trained on this data has emerged. In this article, we will explore and evaluate the next generation of animal miRNA target prediction algorithms, their relationship to more traditional prediction methods, and the implications of such methodologies for the future of miRNA target prediction and miRNA research as a whole.