Micro RNA Mimics And Antagonists

Abstract Gene regulation is vital for life and it involves plethora of mechanisms including microRNA miRNA based RNA inhibition. Messenger RNA mRNA inhibition by miRNA requires less sequence specificity than inhibition by small inhibitory RNA siRNA and has different set of enzymes required for processing. The regulation and richness of RNA inhibition and specifically miRNA action is just beginning to be studied while much work has undergone in the study of synthesis and processing of miRNA. More than 1800 unique human miRNAs have been computationally predicted and several have been experimentally validated. Given their ability to act as sequence specific regulators of the transcriptome miRNAs have potential in therapeutics and diagnostics. We specifically focus on synthesis of current therapeutic applications of miRNA. We discuss the two different strategies in miRNA treatment mimics and antagonists and bring forward the promises and perils of miRNA therapy in its journey from lab to medicine.