MicroRNAs and the Immune System: Methods and Protocols

In recent years, the critical role of microRNAs has been revealed within the biology of cells that constitute the immune system. In MicroRNAs and the Immune System: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers explore the latest techniques for studying miRNA expression, including the most up-to-date data on splinted ligation and qRT-PCR assays, as well as high-throughput profiling through cloning, deep sequencing, and microarrays. Chapters outline methods to study miRNA functions in various cell types from a single cell type level to entire model organisms, and present studies of miRNAs in the context of viruses and the immune response. Tools are also provided to help navigate bioinformatics databases on miRNAs and their targets. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Contemporary and innovative, MicroRNAs and the Immune System: Methods and Protocols is an essential handbook for immunologists, biochemists, and molecular biologists.