miRNA Mimic/Inhibitor Synthesis
miRNA mimics and inhibitors are designed for in vitro cell experiments to achieve miRNA gain-of-function and loss-of-function, respectively.
Services include sequence synthesis, purification, optional mass spectrometry verification, negative controls, and transfection application support.
  • 6business days

    Fastest delivery

  • ≥ 90%

    HPLC purity

  • QC

    Sequence verified

  • 24-72h

    Key experimental window

miRNA Synthesis
Mimic Synthesis
Inhibitor Synthesis

miRNA Synthesis

Small in Size, Powerful in Function

miRNAs are endogenous, non-coding, single-stranded small RNAs approximately 18–25 nt long (22 nt on average). By recognizing the 3' UTR of target mRNAs and forming partial complementary base pairs, they guide the RISC complex to degrade targets or repress translation.

They are broadly involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metabolic reprogramming, organ development, cancer, and other disease processes. We provide mimic/inhibitor tools for in vitro studies and agomir/antagomir tools for in vivo studies.

  • miRNA mimic/inhibitor: designed specifically for in vitro cell experiments to rapidly achieve gain or loss of function
  • agomir/antagomir: optimized through chemical modification for in vivo animal studies, with improved stability and tissue-delivery efficiency

Mimic Synthesis

A Standard Tool for Simulating Overexpression In Vitro

miRNA mimic is a chemically synthesized double-stranded RNA oligonucleotide whose sequence is identical to that of the mature miRNA. It mimics endogenous mature miRNA and is used for miRNA overexpression or gain-of-function studies. After transfection, the mimic resembles the double-stranded precursor structure of endogenous miRNA, is recognized and processed by Dicer (or enters the pathway directly), and loads the guide strand into the RISC complex to recognize the 3' UTR of target mRNA, leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression.

  • Designed for in vitro use, with no modification or only minor terminal modification
  • Multiple purity grades and scales to match different sensitivity requirements
  • Compatible with lipid-mediated transfection and electroporation, with clear effects within 24–72 hours

Inhibitor Synthesis

A Standard Tool for In Vitro Loss-of-Function Studies

miRNA inhibitor is a core tool for loss-of-function studies and, together with mimic for gain-of-function studies, forms a complete experimental framework. It is a chemically synthesized single-stranded RNA oligonucleotide with a sequence fully complementary to the mature miRNA. After transfection, the inhibitor binds endogenous mature miRNA with high affinity to form a stable duplex, preventing miRNA loading into the RISC complex and blocking its guide function. The duplex is then cleared by endogenous cellular mechanisms, substantially reducing the effective concentration of active miRNA.

  • Efficient, sustained miRNA inhibition at relatively low concentrations
  • Available in multiple purity grades and scales
  • Ready for transient transfection without viral or plasmid-vector construction

miRNA vs. siRNA: What Is the Difference?

ComparisonmiRNA mimic/inhibitorsiRNA
Endogenous OriginYesNo (artificially designed or exogenous)
Sequence Characteristics18–25 nt, fixed sequence21–23 nt, can be freely designed
Mechanism of ActionPartial complementarity to the target mRNA 3' UTR → translational repression/mild degradationFull complementarity to target mRNA → direct cleavage and degradation
Number of TargetsMultiple targets (one miRNA can regulate hundreds of target genes)Single target (one siRNA targets one gene)
Regulatory ModeFine, network-level regulationStrong silencing of a single gene
Research PurposemiRNA functional studies and target-gene screeningFunctional knockdown of a specific gene
ApplicationsFunctional studies, target validation, and disease mechanismsGene function, signaling pathways, and drug targets

Guide to Choosing Four miRNA Products

ProductStrand TypeFunctional DirectionApplicable ExperimentsModification Features
miRNA mimic
Double-strandedmiRNA OverexpressionIn vitro cellsUnmodified or basic modification
miRNA inhibitor
Single-strandedmiRNA InhibitionIn vitro cellsBasic modifications such as 2'-OMe
miRNA agomir
Double-strandedmiRNA OverexpressionIn vivo animalsCholesterol + PS + 2'-OMe
miRNA antagomir
Single-strandedmiRNA InhibitionIn vivo animalsCholesterol + PS + 2'-OMe

Service Advantages

A mature RNA synthesis platform and stringent quality control support the entire in vitro miRNA research workflow
  • Advanced Synthesis Platform · Optional Mass Spectrometry Verification
    Product molecular weight and purity are tested to confirm sequence accuracy. HPLC-purified products have a purity of ≥90% with high batch-to-batch consistency.
  • Comprehensive Product Line · Four Tools
    A complete set of mimic/inhibitor (in vitro) and agomir/antagomir (in vivo) tools covers both gain-of-function and loss-of-function requirements.
  • Fast Delivery · 6 Business Days
    Mimic/inhibitor products can be delivered in as little as 6 business days, while agomir/antagomir products are delivered in 5 business days to accelerate research progress.
  • Broad Species Coverage
    Supports human, mouse, rat, and other species included in miRBase. Synthesis can begin with a miRNA name or mature sequence, and we can assist in confirming conserved sequences.
  • Flexible Purification and Scale Options
    OPC, HPLC, and other purification options are available to match different sensitivity requirements, transfection scales, and downstream assays.
  • Matched Negative Controls
    Double-stranded mimic NC and single-stranded inhibitor NC controls help exclude transfection-related and nonspecific effects.

Service Details

Service Item Scale Purification Turnaround Time Notes
miRNA mimic
From 5 nmol OPC/HPLC 6 business days Double-stranded; for overexpression
miRNA inhibitor
From 5 nmol OPC/HPLC 6 business days Single-stranded and reverse-complementary; for inhibition
mimic NC
From 2.5 nmol OPC/HPLC In stock / 3 business days Unrelated-sequence double-stranded RNA
inhibitor NC
From 2.5 nmol OPC/HPLC In stock / 3 business days Unrelated-sequence single-stranded RNA

Service Workflow

Four simple steps from sequence information to delivery of in vitro experiment-grade miRNA products
  • Submit Requirements
    Provide the miRNA name or mature sequence and specify the species, scale, purification method, and whether a negative control is required.
  • Confirm the Plan
    Our technical team responds within one business day with the project plan, timeline, and quotation, and can assist in confirming conserved sequences across species.
  • Synthesis and Quality Control
    Complete chemical synthesis, purification, and optional mass-spectrometry verification, and provide a QC report containing MS molecular-weight and purity results.
  • Delivery and Support
    Products are shipped as lyophilized powder with synthesis and optional mass-spectrometry reports, plus post-delivery support on transfection conditions and related matters.

Delivery Standards

  • Lyophilized miRNA product
    Aliquoted at 1 OD; store at -20°C protected from light.
  • RNA Synthesis Report
    Includes sequence, molecular weight, purification method, and OD value/concentration.
  • Mass Spectrometry Report (Optional)
    Molecular-weight verification by MS spectrum (optional).
  • Purity Report
    HPLC chromatogram; purity ≥90%.
  • Instructions for Use
    Reference conditions for reconstitution, storage, and transfection.

Quality Control Standards

QC ItemTest MethodAcceptance Criteria
Sequence AccuracyMS molecular weight (optional)Deviation between measured and theoretical values ≤0.1%
PurityHPLC/OPCOPC≥75%;HPLC≥90%
Duplex Formation (mimic)Native PAGEDuplex proportion ≥85%
AppearanceVisual inspectionWhite or off-white lyophilized powder

Applications

Covering functional studies, target-gene validation, disease mechanisms, and drug-target development

miRNA Functional Studies

Use mimic and inhibitor for bidirectional validation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and differentiation phenotypes.

Target-Gene Identification and Validation

Combine omics approaches or dual-luciferase assays to screen and validate direct target genes.

Disease Mechanisms and Biomarkers

Investigate disease mechanisms and biomarker potential in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Drug-Target Development

Evaluate the feasibility of therapeutic targets in vitro to support in vivo efficacy studies and translational research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about mimic/inhibitor synthesis and cellular applications
What is the difference between miRNA mimic and agomir, and when should agomir be used?
Use mimic for in vitro cell experiments; it is more economical but requires a transfection reagent. For in vivo animal studies, use agomir with comprehensive cholesterol, PS, and 2'-OMe modifications; its effects can last 1–5 weeks.
Why do mimic and inhibitor experiments require a negative control (NC)?
The NC is used to exclude transfection stress, innate immune receptor activation, and nonspecific binding. Mimic NC is double-stranded, whereas inhibitor NC is single-stranded; they are not interchangeable. If the NC-treated group shows phenotypic changes, nonspecific effects may be present and the experimental conditions should be optimized. Include an NC control in every experiment.
How soon do mimic and inhibitor take effect after transfection, and how long do the effects last?
Changes in target-gene mRNA/protein levels can be detected after 24–48 hours by qPCR/WB. Cellular phenotypic effects such as proliferation, apoptosis, and migration peak at 48–72 hours and gradually weaken after 3–7 days as a result of dilution through cell division.
Can mimic and inhibitor be used in the same cell line, and can they be co-transfected?

Yes. Mimic and inhibitor are suitable for most common cell lines, including HeLa, 293T, and MCF-7. However, primary or suspension cells may have lower transfection efficiency, so transfection conditions should be optimized or a specialized transfection reagent should be used.


Co-transfection is not recommended:Mimic overexpresses the miRNA while inhibitor suppresses the same miRNA. The two compete intracellularly, offsetting each other's effects and making results difficult to interpret. Use separate mimic and inhibitor groups, each with its own NC control, observe their phenotypic changes independently, and evaluate miRNA function comprehensively.

How can the effectiveness of mimic/inhibitor be verified?
After mimic transfection, target-gene mRNA and protein levels should decrease while the miRNA level should increase. After inhibitor transfection, target-gene mRNA and protein levels should increase while miRNA activity should decrease.
Can synthesis begin with only the miRNA name, and where can the sequence be found?
Yes. Provide a name such as hsa-miR-21-5p and the mature sequence can be retrieved from miRBase, or provide the 21–23 nt mature sequence directly.
How should the product be stored, and do repeated freeze-thaw cycles affect it?
The lyophilized powder can be stored at -20°C for one year. After dissolving in DEPC-treated water or a dedicated buffer, aliquot and store at -20°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as activity decreases by approximately 5–10% with each cycle.

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