PicTar

PicTar predicts microRNA targets by statistically identifying partially complementary binding sites within 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs using genome-wide alignments across eight vertebrate genomes.

Key Features:

• Genome-Wide Alignments: Utilizes genome-wide alignments across eight vertebrate genomes to identify potential miRNA binding sites in 3' UTRs.
• Combinatorial Target Prediction: Predicts targets of individual miRNAs and combinations of miRNAs, recovering known published microRNA targets.
• Experimental Validation: Includes predictions that have been experimentally validated for seven targets, including coordinated regulation of Mtpn by miR-375, miR-124, and let-7b in mammals.

Scientific Applications:

• Coordinate miRNA Regulation: Identifies common targets of miRNAs to analyze how different miRNA combinations coordinately regulate cell-specific genes.
• Gene Regulatory Network Analysis: Supports investigation of microRNA-mediated control across cell types and developmental processes.
• Targeting Breadth Estimation: Provides evidence used to estimate that vertebrate microRNAs target an average of approximately 200 transcripts each.

Methodology:

Leverages genome-wide alignments across eight vertebrate genomes to statistically assess potential miRNA binding sites in 3' UTRs.