This project provides proof of concept for a microRNA "sponge", a novel microRNA sequestration technique which will aid characterization of the function of different microRNAs by showing the effects of the depletion of specific cellular microRNAs. To prove that microRNA "sponges" will effectively bind and hold native microRNA in vitro, plasmids were constructed encoding luciferase reporter mRNAs whose 3' UTRs contain four experimental sponges to bind either microRNA Let7 or miR122, or to contain two mutant sequences that do not bind miRNAs. The results showed a decreased luciferase activity for the sponge containing plasmids, but not the mutant plasmids, indicating they successfully bound their miRNAs to block reporter mRNA translation.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Rose, Jason Tyler

Contributors

• Gao, Guanping

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042010-223144

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2010

Sponsor

• UMass Medical School

Date created

• 2010-04-20

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-09-20