This thorough volume provides an in-depth introduction to and discussion of microRNAs (miRs) and their targets, miR functions, and computational techniques applied in miR research, thus serving the need for a comprehensive book focusing on miR target genes, miR regulation mechanisms, miR functions performed in various human diseases, and miR databases/knowledgebases. Without prior knowledge of the area of study, computational biologists, computer scientists, bioinformaticians, bench biologists, as well as clinical investigators will find it easy to follow the techniques in this collection. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the kind of detailed implementation advice that ensures successful results. Accessible and practical, Bioinformatics in MicroRNA Research functions as an ideal guide for researchers of all backgrounds to explore this vital area of study.

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are tiny bits of genetic material that were unknown nearly 10 years ago but now represent an exciting field of study in biology. Upon their discovery, researchers revealed for the first time a new mechanism by which microRNA can stop the function of messenger RNA (mRNA) by literally cutting it in half, interfering with the normal function of specific messenger RNAs in gene expression. This "expression" of genes that code for essential proteins is essentially what controls whether a cell turns into a liver, lung, or brain cell, for example. Understanding what activates this process – or stops it – is a key to understanding the biological process and builds a foundation for advances in medicine and other fields. This volume in Methods in Enzymology presents valuable methods for studying MicroRNA, with three sections covering identification of MicroRNAs and their targets; MicroRNA expression, maturation and functional analysis; and MicroRNAs and disease.

This updated volume reflects new and evolved techniques to study detection, profiling, and manipulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in plants and animals. After overviews of how best to detect, identify, and validate microRNAs, the book continues by exploring state-of-the-art protocols for microRNA detection, approaches to profile the expression level of microRNAs, spatial expression analysis, describe in silico analysis of microRNAs and their targets, as well as protocols for functional analysis of microRNAs and their targets by CRISPR/Cas. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, MicroRNA Detection and Target Identification: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

In miRNomics: MicroRNA Biology and Computational Analysis, expert researchers in the field present an overview of the current state of the art and aim to put the respective areas of research into a larger perspective. These include methods and techniques ranging from miRNA biogenesis, their biological function, computational analyses to their medical implications and applications. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, miRNomics: MicroRNA Biology and Computational Analysis seeks to aid scientists in the further study into miRNA research and statistics.

This edited reflects the current state of knowledge about the role of microRNAs in the formation and progression of solid tumours. The main focus lies on computational methods and applications, together with cutting edge experimental techniques that are used to approach all aspects of microRNA regulation in cancer. We are sure that the emergence of high-throughput quantitative techniques will make this integrative approach absolutely necessary in the near future. This book will be a resource for researchers starting out with cancer microRNA research, but is also intended for the experienced researcher who wants to incorporate concepts and tools from systems biology and bioinformatics into his work. Bioinformaticians and modellers are provided with a general perspective on microRNA biology in cancer, and the state-of-the-art in computational microRNA biology.

From pathology to treatment, MicroRNAs in Diseases and Disorders highlights the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the development and progression of a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurological disease, endocrine disease and autoimmune disease, and underscores the utilization of miRNA targets in the treatment of these conditions. Providing a comprehensive account, this book also includes the identification of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for disease, as well as evaluates translational value from clinical trials using synthesized and functionalized miRNA mimics and inhibitors. With a global contribution list and chapters from leading experts across the field, MicroRNAs in Diseases and Disorders is an invaluable reference to miRNA researchers and health professionals in a variety of disease areas in government, academia and industry. The book will also appeal to pharmaceutical and medicinal chemists with an interest in miRNA targeting therapeutics, as well as to advanced students in chemical biology and drug discovery.

The enormous complexity of biological systems at the molecular level must be answered with powerful computational methods. Computational biology is a young field, but has seen rapid growth and advancement over the past few decades. Surveying the progress made in this multidisciplinary field, the Handbook of Computational Molecular Biology offers comprehensive, systematic coverage of the various techniques and methodologies currently available. Accomplished researcher Srinivas Aluru leads a team of experts from around the world to produce this groundbreaking, authoritative reference. With discussions ranging from fundamental concepts to practical applications, this book details the algorithms necessary to solve novel problems and manage the massive amounts of data housed in biological databases throughout the world. Divided into eight sections for convenient searching, the handbook covers methods and algorithms for sequence alignment, string data structures, sequence assembly and clustering, genome-scale computational methods in comparative genomics, evolutionary and phylogenetic trees, microarrays and gene expression analysis, computational methods in structural biology, and bioinformatics databases and data mining. The Handbook of Computational Molecular Biology is the first resource to integrate coverage of the broad spectrum of topics in computational biology and bioinformatics. It supplies a quick-reference guide for easy implementation and provides a strong foundation for future discoveries in the field.