miRTarBase

The experimentally validated microRNA-target interactions database
Introduction to the Updated miRTarBase

miRTarBase, the leading repository for miRNA-target interactions (MTIs), has expanded to include over 3,817,550 MTIs. Enhanced by the integration of META's LLAMA3 model, our NLP pipeline now offers greater accuracy in detecting and validating MTIs and miRNA-disease associations with fewer false positives. The latest update includes articles now totaling 13,690, projected to reach approximately 15,000 in the future. We have also incorporated new data that emphasizes the role of miRNAs in drug resistance, treatment strategies, and as biomarkers for toxicity assessment and therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, a significant increase in MTIs validated by high-throughput methods like CLIP-seq and PAR-CLIP ensures the highest standard of data quality. Comprehensive updates to our website and backend architecture have improved usability and user experience, reaffirming our commitment to providing cutting-edge resources for the research community.

Features

1. Article Curation Growth
  • miRTarBase has curated 13,690 articles, expected to reach about 15,000 in the future.
2. NLP Enhancement with LLAMA3
  • Integration of the LLAMA3 model enhances accuracy and reduces false positives in detecting miRNA-target and disease associations.
3. miRNAs in drug resistance and therapeutic strategies
  • Contributed over 4,990 new interactions which highlight the role of miRNAs in drug resistance and therapeutic strategies.
  • Example: hsa-mir-122-5p interacting with the drug Sorafenib. The interaction leads to sensitivity, detected at a low level, particularly in relation to Hepatocellular Carcinoma. This effect was observed in multiple cell lines, including HepG2, Hep3B, and SK-Hep-1.[hsa-miR-122-5p]
4. Biomarker Identification
  • Identifying miRNAs as crucial biomarkers for toxicity assessment, treatment guidance, and optimization of therapeutic outcomes for individual patients.
  • Example: hsa-miR-122-5p is Predictive Biomarker (PRD) and Safety Biomarker (SAF) and exoression level is increased in Plasma, tested by microarrays, RT-PCR analysis. [miR-122]
5. miRNA Oxidation Modification
  • Information on oxidized miRNA sequences has been added, shedding light on how oxidative modifications influence miRNA targeting and regulation.
  • Example: G > T at position 4 (4G > T) of let-7a. 4o8G-let-7 (anti-4oxo) were prepared to harbour a tandem repeat of cognate target sites, and their specific inhibition was validated by luciferase reporter assays. [hsa-let-7a-5p]
6. High-throughput Validation Expansion
  • Increased validation of MTIs through high-throughput methods like CLIP-seq and PAR-CLIP.
7. System Overhaul
  • Comprehensive data reorganization, corrections, and a revamp of website and backend for improved usability.