Thermo Fisher Scientific Introduces Research Tool for Stable Expression of Mature MicroRNA

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., has launched a new product for the long-term over-expression of mature microRNA. Thermo Scientific miRIDIAN shMIMIC Lentiviral microRNAs are designed to allow consistent processing of the mature microRNA and enhanced specificity for a variety of microRNA research applications.

miRIDIAN® shMIMIC™ Lentiviral microRNAs can induce stable over-expression of functional mature microRNA mimics by harnessing the endogenous microRNA processing pathway. The shMIMIC microRNA is effectively delivered into the cell using purified, high-titer lentiviral particles; this facilitates delivery even in difficult-to-transfect cell types such as primary cells, stem cells and non-dividing cell types. The shMIMIC microRNA is then processed in the same way as an endogenous microRNA gene, resulting in over-expression of the microRNA mimic and subsequent down-regulation of the microRNA target gene(s).

shMIMIC Lentiviral microRNAs incorporate design elements that are critical for accurate processing and efficient downstream activity of only the mature microRNA of interest while minimizing the effects of the star (*) strand.  shMIMIC lentiviral microRNAs have been effectively used by Thermo Fisher Scientific scientists to produce phenotypic responses to microRNA target gene down-regulation. Such studies provide valuable insight into microRNA participation in critical biological and disease pathways.

shMIMIC Lentiviral microRNAs are available in high-titer, purified lentiviral particle format for each human microRNA in the miRBase microRNA database. These transduction-ready microRNA tools can be used for phenotypic studies, drug discovery applications or to further studies of microRNA biology.