Currently in microRNA research, microRNA precursor and mimic (the mature form) are both available commercially. In theory, use of miRNA mimic should be more clear when interpreting the result, as the effects of the minor strand miRNA was avoided. But still, lots of researchers are using miRNA precursor in their study. Are there any advantages miRNA precursor when compared with miRNA mimic?
If you are only interested in studying biological function of miRNA should definitely use the mimic. This will allow to avoid eventual processing complications if any and see pure biologic effect (not affected by processing machinery). If you use pre-miRNA, you have to take into consideration that whatever effect you see it might also reflect a processing efficiency by DICER.
If you are only interested in studying biological function of miRNA should definitely use the mimic. This will allow to avoid eventual processing complications if any and see pure biologic effect (not affected by processing machinery). If you use pre-miRNA, you have to take into consideration that whatever effect you see it might also reflect a processing efficiency by DICER.
If you are referring to Pre-miR molecules available from Ambion, those are not what is called "precursor miRNA" in the field (i.e. ~60-70-nt hairpin-shaped RNA). As far as I know, Pre-miR molecules more resemble miRNA duplex than precursor miRNA. I don't know why the manufacturer chose such a confusing trade name.
If you are referring to studies actually delivering the synthetic precursor miRNA into the cells, there can be several reasons for using this specific intermediate molecule. For example, the authors may want to decide whether a certain regulation of the given miRNA occurs before or after Dicer processing.
Hoi: To extend what Anastassia has explained:
The precursor miRs are the candidates that are processed by RNAi machinery of the cell. Hence, to study the effect of miRs, mostly the precursor miRs are used (that were processed and act more similar to that of siRNA.
miR mimics are similar to the final processed miRs that are similar to the endogenous mature miRs. miR mimics are chemically synthesized and hence several chemical modifications (LNA, FAM labeling and other manipulations) are possible.
In short, to see the direct effect, miR mimics are used. To see the reality of processing effect and the RNAi activity precursor miRs are used.
vast majority of scientists use miRNA mimics from Dharmacon, Thermofisher, Ambion. these are short double stranded synthetic molecules ~16-28bp, with a few modifications. work great. long precursors are trickier and less efficient
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