ABSTRACT
In the past years, we have witnessed a rapid evolving of many creative, innovative, inventive techniques and methodologies that are of great promising in miRNA research and applications (Wang et al. 2008, Wang 2010). These technologies have demonstrated their effi cacy and reliability in producing gain-of-function or loss-of-function of miRNAs, providing new tools for elucidating miRNA functions and opening up a new avenue for the development of new agents targeting miRNAs for therapeutic aims. These stimulating advances prompted us to propose the concept of microRNA interference ( miRNAi) (Wang et al. 2008, Wang 2010): manipulating the function, stability, biogenesis or expression of miRNAs to interferes with the expression of their target protein-coding mRNAs to alter the cellular functions. The aim of this review article is to provide introductive descriptions of the strategies and methodologies for interfering miRNA expression, biogenesis and function and their applications in miRNA research and new drug design using miRNAs as therapeutic targets.
