Figure 3.

General representation of the degradome sequencing approach, miRNA target mimicry, and silencing of miRNAs. The degradome sequencing approach has been used to detect miRNA target genes through deep sequencing of cleaved mRNAs and mapping of cleaved sites. Target mimicry is a suitable molecular tool that is based on the expression of a transgene carrying a non-real target of a miRNA that is partially complementary to the miRNA. This RNA contains three to four nucleotides that are not complementary to a core region in the middle of the miRNA, which causes the sequestration of miRNAs, blocks cleavage and up-regulates the real target mRNAs. Silencing of miRNAs triggered by artificial miRNAs targeting the mature and or precursor miRNA, directs cleavage and RNA silencing of the precursor miRNAs and upregulation of miRNA target RNAs.