miRNAtap

miRNAtap aggregates ranked miRNA target predictions from multiple online prediction databases to improve the reliability of predicted microRNA–mRNA interactions for Homo sapiens and Mus musculus and to provide Rattus norvegicus predictions via homology translation.

Key Features:

• Integration of Multiple Sources: Aggregates ranked miRNA target predictions from multiple online prediction databases into a combined set of candidate targets.
• Aggregation Methods: Applies aggregation methodologies to combine and re-rank predictions from individual sources to refine target prediction confidence.
• Species Support: Provides predictions for Homo sapiens and Mus musculus and includes Rattus norvegicus predictions through homology translation.
• Workflow Implementation: Produces programmatic outputs intended for incorporation into genomics and molecular biology analysis workflows.

Scientific Applications:

• Functional Genomics: Identifying putative miRNA regulators and their target genes to study miRNA-mediated gene expression regulation.
• Disease Research: Investigating miRNA involvement in diseases such as cancer to support biomarker discovery or therapeutic target research.
• Comparative Genomics: Analyzing conservation and divergence of miRNA target predictions across species.

Methodology:

Aggregates ranked predictions from multiple online miRNA target prediction databases using aggregation methodologies, applies homology translation for Rattus norvegicus, and is implemented as an R/Bioconductor package subject to Bioconductor review and automated testing.