In silico miRNA Target Identification within the Human Peroxisome Proliferator -Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) Gene

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), an abundant class of 21-25 nucleotides long non-coding RNAs, regulate eukaryotic gene expression and therefore implicated in a wide range of biological processes. The miRNA- related genetic alterations are possibly more implicated in human diseases than currently appreciated. miRNA target prediction using bioinformatics tools is often the first line approach in studying gene regulation. Such predictions will help in setting search priorities for experimental validation of gene controlling mechanisms. But finding a functional miRNA target in the human genome yet remains a challenging task. In the present study, miRNA target sites within the complete sequences (5′ UTR, CDS and 3′ UTR) of human PPARG gene were investigated using miRwalk database. We found 26, 52 and 85 different miRNA target sites within the 5′ UTR, CDS and 3′ UTR regions of the gene, respectively. This computational approach will subsequently allow better in vitro confirmation of the miRNA regulatory networks in cellular systems.