miFAST: A novel and rapid microRNA target capture method
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
Published on: May 21, 2019
Ashley M Poenitzsch Strong1, Scott M Berry2, David J Beebe2
1Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small 22-25 nucleotide non-coding RNAs, play important roles in cellular and tumor biology. However, characterizing miRNA function remains challenging due to an abundance of predicted targets and an experimental bottleneck in identifying biologically relevant direct targets. Here, we developed a novel technique (miFAST) to identify direct miRNA target genes. Using miFAST, we confirmed several previously reported miR-340 target genes and identified five additional novel direct miR-340 targets in melanoma cells. This methodology can also be efficiently applied for the global characterization of miRNA targets. Utilizing miFAST to characterize direct miRNA targetomes will further our understanding of miRNA biology and function.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
Rapidly Varying Flow
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
RACE - Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends
Targets for Drug Action: Overview
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...

