Integrated analysis of microRNA and mRNA expression: adding biological significance to microRNA target predictions.

ABSTRACT: Current microRNA target predictions are based on sequence information and empirically derived rules but do not make use of the expression of microRNAs and their targets. This study aimed to improve microRNA target predictions in a given biological context, using in silico predictions, microRNA and mRNA expression. We used target prediction tools to produce lists of predicted targets and used a gene set test designed to detect consistent effects of microRNAs on the joint expression of multiple targets. In a single test, association between microRNA expression and target gene set expression as well as the contribution of the individual target genes on the association are determined. The strongest negatively associated mRNAs as measured by the test were prioritized. We applied our integration

SUBMITTER: van Iterson M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3753644 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature