miRNA mimics are small, chemically modified double-stranded RNA molecules designed to specifically bind to and mimic endogenous miRNA molecules and enable miRNA functional analysis by up-regulation of miRNA activity.

We have now released the second generation of miRNA mimics, mirVana™ miRNA Mimics, which:
• Exhibit maximum and consistent effect in vitro at low concentration
• Are non toxic
• Offer superior specificity due to unique Star strand modification
• Target the most updated Sanger content
• Can be used in vitro and in vivo, offering you consistency throughout your entire research project

Positive and negative controls are also available for use along with mirVana™ miRNA Mimics in miRNA up-regulation experiments.

mirVana™ miRNA Mimic miR-1 Positive Control
The mirVana™ miRNA Mimic miR-1 Positive Control is designed to mimic mature miR-1 miRNA after delivery to mammalian cells. miR-1 is associated with down-regulation of many genes. In particular, miR-1-mediated down-regulation of Protein Tyrosine Kinase 9 (PTK9) has been shown to occur at the mRNA level. miR-1 Positive Control is intended for use as a positive control for transfection experiments using mirVana™ miRNA Mimics. Monitor activity of miR-1 Positive Control through its gene silencing of PTK9, using real-time reverse transcription-PCR to detect PTK9 mRNA.

First Generation Mimic Controls
Our first-generation miRNA mimics (and controls), Ambion™ Pre-miR™ miRNA Precursors, have lower specificity and potency, plus a lower strand specificity compared to the new mirVana™ miRNA Mimics. These first-generation mimics are recommended for completing ongoing in vitro miRNA studies. For new studies or in vivo studies, we highly recommend our new mirVana™ miRNA Mimics and their corresponding controls.