The article by Bino John et al. (2004) focuses on the prediction and validation of microRNA (miRNA) targets in human genes. The authors developed a computational algorithm to predict miRNA target sites in the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of human gene transcripts, using sequence complementarity, binding energy, and evolutionary conservation as key criteria. They identified over 2,000 human genes with conserved miRNA target sites across mammals and about 250 genes with conserved targets between mammals and fish. The predicted targets include genes involved in transcription, translation, and ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, suggesting a complex regulatory network. Experimental validation through known targets and enrichment in mRNAs associated with the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) supports the validity of the method. The study also highlights the potential role of miRNAs in regulating specific cellular processes and the interaction between miRNAs and FMRP-containing ribonucleoprotein complexes. The authors provide an open-source software tool, miRanda, and detailed information on target genes and processes at www.microrna.org. The analysis suggests that miRNAs, which constitute about 1% of all human genes, regulate protein production for at least 10% of all human genes.The article by Bino John et al. (2004) focuses on the prediction and validation of microRNA (miRNA) targets in human genes. The authors developed a computational algorithm to predict miRNA target sites in the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of human gene transcripts, using sequence complementarity, binding energy, and evolutionary conservation as key criteria. They identified over 2,000 human genes with conserved miRNA target sites across mammals and about 250 genes with conserved targets between mammals and fish. The predicted targets include genes involved in transcription, translation, and ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, suggesting a complex regulatory network. Experimental validation through known targets and enrichment in mRNAs associated with the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) supports the validity of the method. The study also highlights the potential role of miRNAs in regulating specific cellular processes and the interaction between miRNAs and FMRP-containing ribonucleoprotein complexes. The authors provide an open-source software tool, miRanda, and detailed information on target genes and processes at www.microrna.org. The analysis suggests that miRNAs, which constitute about 1% of all human genes, regulate protein production for at least 10% of all human genes.