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Table 2 Differences between siRNA- and miRNA-based therapeutic agents.

From: The promise of microRNA-based therapies in Alzheimer’s disease: challenges and perspectives

 

siRNA

miRNA

Structure

Double-stranded RNA duplex, 2 nucleotides 3'-overhang

Double-stranded RNA duplex, 2 nucleotides 3'-overhang

Target complementarity

Fully complementary to mRNA target

Partial and imperfect complementarity

mRNA targets

One specific target

Multiple context-specific targets

Mechanism of action

mRNA cleavage by endonucleolytic capacity

mRNA cleavage

mRNA decay

Translational repression

Clinical application

Therapeutic agent to knockdown specific mRNA target

Drug target (miRNA mimics & inhibitors)

Therapeutic agent for the regulation of multiple mRNA targets (miRNA inhibitors)

Diagnostic tool (biomarkers)