Methods for the identification of microrna and their applications in research and human health

Abstract

The press invention concerns a method for prediction and identification of microRNA precursors (pre-microRNA) and microRNA molecules using data processing programs and databases. The invention also pertains to the isolated form of these pre-microRNAs, microRNA molecules and derived nucleic acids there of. The invention also relates to recombinant vector, host cell, support, pharmaceutical composition or kit comprising such microRNA molecules or there of derivated molecules. The invention also applies to the use of such microRNA molecules and/or their identified targets in research, prognostic, diagnostic tools/methods as well as for therapeutic applications.

1 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . An isolated nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:139, 328, 728, 963, or 1173;   (b) a nucleotide sequence having at least 80% identity after optimum alignment with the sequence of (a);   (c) a complementary sequence of the sequence defined in (a) or (b);   (d) a DNA molecule coding for the sequence defined in (a), (b), or (c); and   (e) a nucleotide sequence having at least 12 nucleotides length, which hybridizes under stringent conditions to the sequence defined in (a), (b), (c), or (d).   
     
     
         34 . The nucleic acid of  claim 33 , wherein the identity between the sequence defined in (a) and the sequence defined in (b) is at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, and more preferably at least 95%. 
     
     
         35 . The nucleic acid of  claim 33 , wherein the nucleotide sequence defined in (e) is at least 20 nucleotides length. 
     
     
         36 . The nucleic acid of  claim 33 , which has the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:139, 328, 728, 963, or 1173. 
     
     
         37 . The nucleic acid of  claim 33 , which is a complementary sequence of the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:139, 328, 728, 963, or 1173. 
     
     
         38 . The nucleic acid of  claim 33 , wherein the nucleotide sequence defined in (e) has a sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1896, 2180, 2181, 2730, 3050, or 3322. 
     
     
         39 . An isolated nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1896, 2180, 2181, 2730, 3050, or 3322;   (b) a nucleotide sequence having at least 80% identity after optimum alignment with the sequence of (a);   (c) a complementary sequence of the sequence defined in (a) or (b);   (d) a DNA molecule coding for the sequence defined in (a), (b), or (c); and   (e) a nucleotide sequence having at least 12 nucleotides length, which hybridizes under stringent conditions to the sequence defined in (a), (b), (c), or (d).   
     
     
         40 . The nucleic acid of  claim 39 , wherein the identity between the sequence defined in (a) and the sequence defined in (b) is at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, and more preferably at least 95%. 
     
     
         41 . The nucleic acid of  claim 39 , which has the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1896, 2180, 2181, 2730, 3050, or 3322. 
     
     
         42 . The nucleic acid of  claim 39 , which is a complementary sequence of the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1896, 2180, 2181, 2730, 3050, or 3322. 
     
     
         43 . The nucleic acid of  claim 39 , wherein the nucleotide sequence defined in (e) has a sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:139, 328, 728, 963, or 1173. 
     
     
         44 . A solid support comprising the nucleic acid of any one of  claims 33  to  43 . 
     
     
         45 . A solid support comprising at least 5 nucleic acids as defined in any one of  claims 33  to  43 . 
     
     
         46 . A method for detecting at least 5 nucleic acids as defined in any one of  claims 33  to  43 , comprising conducting multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the at least 5 nucleic acids using forward primers and reverse primers, wherein each forward and reverse primer pair member is substantially complementary to at least 15 nucleotides of a nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:139, 328, 728, 963, and 1173, and the complements thereof. 
     
     
         47 . A method for detecting at least 5 nucleic acids as defined in any one of  claims 33  to  43 , comprising conducting multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the at least 5 nucleic acids using forward primers and reverse primers, wherein each forward and reverse primer pair member is substantially complementary to at least 15 nucleotides of a nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:1896, 2180, 2181, 2730, 3050, and 3322, and the complements thereof.