Currently, there are 1,225 and 392 miRNAs known for animal and plant species, respectively (Rfam Release 6.0). Plant miRNAs usually have perfect complementarities to their target genes binding their coding region and mediating mRNA degradation via the RNA Interference (RNAi) pathway. In contrast, animal miRNAs have imperfect complementarities to their target genes, which prevent a straightforward identification of these targets by in silico approaches. Animal miRNAs will generally bind the 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) of their targets that results in inhibition of the protein translation process. The biological functions of miRNAs remain to be uncovered, only for a handful number of miRNAs forward genetics have elucidated their function.

The main interest of our lab is the identification of novel functional RNA genes using comparative genomics. We are focus in the identification of novel microRNA genes in mammalian species. To understand the biology of microRNAs is required to comprehend their genomic context, and evolutionary path. We generated computational tools to identify conserved microRNA genes in human and mouse genomes as well as to investigate the evolution of pri-miRNAs. Linage specific miRNAs may play important roles in defining differences in the gene expression regulation network for each species.

We also developed in silico tools and implemented reporter assay systems to screen and validate highly reliable microRNA-target interactions. The predicted microRNA targets are involved in a wide variety of biological processes implying a crucial role of microRNAs in a number of biological processes such as development, apoptosis, signal transduction and others.

About Life in Mishima: NIG brings many opportunities to do sports at all levels
It has been almost 14 months since I moved to Mishima from Tokyo. At first, there is an obvious "change feeling" from a big metropolis to a more peaceful town. I need no more to take trains in the famous rush hours or run to catch the last train. Some of the first things you hear about Mishima is that the water and air are cleaner, and sure they are! The thing I like most of not having a driving license is that it allowed me to reduce my weight for about 10 kg in my need to ride my bicycle every morning to climb the NIG hill. This was a very effective "diet" strategy given that in one day I may need to repeat the process 2 or 3 times. Now that we can enjoy our NIG cafeteria at noon, the effectiveness of the process has decreased by an approximation of 33%! According to my new gain of weight!! NIG offers everyone the possibility to do various sports such as play soccer, tennis or badminton (as far as I am aware of) and it is very fun to do sports, even the next two days I may not be able to walk straight. The very good thing of doing sports with people at NIG is that everyone can join the group, regardless of their level. Everyone is welcome from first-time beginners to Olympic champions, and the best part of all is that more experienced people will share their knowledge with the rookies. So don't miss the chance to put yourself in shape once in a while!