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MicroRNAs (miRNAs) related single-nucleotide variations (SNVs), including single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and disease-related variations (DRVs) in miRNAs and miRNA-target binding sites, can affect miRNA functions and/or biogenesis, thus to impact on phenotypes. miRNASNP is a widely used database for miRNA-related SNPs and their effects. Here, we updated it to miRNASNP-v3 (http://bioinfo.life.hust.edu.cn/miRNASNP/) with tremendous number of SNVs and new features, especially the DRVs data. We analyzed the effects of 7 161 741 SNPs and 505 417 DRVs on 1897 pre-miRNAs (2630 mature miRNAs) and 3'UTRs of 18 152 genes. miRNASNP-v3 provides a one-stop resource for miRNA-related SNVs research with the following functions: (i) explore associations between miRNA-related SNPs/DRVs and diseases; (ii) browse the effects of SNPs/DRVs on miRNA-target binding; (iii) functional enrichment analysis of miRNA target gain/loss caused by SNPs/DRVs; (iv) investigate correlations between drug sensitivity and miRNA expression; (v) inquire expression profiles of miRNAs and their targets in cancers; (vi) browse the effects of SNPs/DRVs on pre-miRNA secondary structure changes; and (vii) predict the effects of user-defined variations on miRNA-target binding or pre-miRNA secondary structure. miRNASNP-v3 is a valuable and long-term supported resource in functional variation screening and miRNA function studies.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression involved in a broad range of biological processes. MiRNASNP aims to provide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs and genes that may impact miRNA biogenesis and/or miRNA target binding. Advanced miRNA research provided abundant data about miRNA expression, validated targets and related phenotypic variants. In miRNASNP v2.0, we have updated our previous database with several new data and features, including: (i) expression level and expression correlation of miRNAs and target genes in different tissues, (ii) linking SNPs to the results of genome-wide association studies, (iii) integrating experimentally validated miRNA:mRNA interactions, (iv) adding multiple filters to prioritize functional SNPs. In addition, as a supplement of the database, we have set up three flexible online tools to analyse the influence of novel variants on miRNA:mRNA binding. A new nice web interface was designed for miRNASNP v2.0 allowing users to browse, search and download. We aim to maintain the miRNASNP as a solid resource for function, genetics and disease studies of miRNA-related SNPs. Database URL: http://bioinfo.life. hust.edu.cn/miRNASNP2/ © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are studied as key regulators of gene expression involved in different diseases. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes or target sites (miRNA-related SNPs) have been proved to be associated with human diseases by affecting the miRNA-mediated regulatory function. To systematically analyze miRNA-related SNPs and their effects, we performed a genome-wide scan for SNPs in human pre-miRNAs, miRNA flanking regions, target sites, and designed a pipeline to predict the effects of them on miRNA-target interaction. As a result, we identified 48 SNPs in human miRNA seed regions and thousands of SNPs in 3' untranslated regions with the potential to either disturb or create miRNA-target interactions. Furthermore, we experimentally confirmed seven loss-of-function SNPs and one gain-of-function SNP by luciferase assay. This is the first case of experimental validation of an SNP in an miRNA creating a novel miRNA target binding. All useful data were complied into miRNASNP, a user-friendly free online database (http://www.bioguo.org/miRNASNP/). These data will be a useful resource for studying miRNA function, identifying disease-associated miRNAs, and further personalized medicine. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.