Generation of MiRNA sponge constructs targeting multiple MiRNAs
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Updated: Sep 20, 2025
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Published on: June 15, 2018
Junjin Jie1, Danni Liu1, Yifan Wang1
1Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
Background:
MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in plants, animals and some viruses. Hence, alteration of miRNA levels in cells or tissues is common for miRNA studies. Loss-of-function of miRNA can be achieved using antisense oligonucleotides, sponges and gene knockout models.
Methods:
Here, we showed an efficient, rational and economical way to construct multi-targeted miRNA sponges with desired copies. Four copies of miRNA sponge are used as "building-blocks".
Results:
These building-blocks, which can target same miRNA or different miRNAs, are linked together through ligation. Each time of ligation can double the number of sponge copies.
Conclusions:
In this way, we constructed lentivirus vectors harboring sponges targeting miR-21, miR-31 and miR-155 and the combination of two miRNA sponges can inhibit cancer cell growth significantly.
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