MicroRNA target and gene validation in viruses and bacteria.

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute an evolutionary conserved system involved in
the regulation of biological functions at posttranscriptional level. The
capability to rapidly adapt their metabolism is essential for the survival of
organisms. NcRNAs are a valuable means used by cells to rapidly transfer and
internalize an external signal. NcRNAs are capable not only to influence the
translational phase but also to affect epigenetic processes. They have been
identified in almost all kingdoms of life (from archaea to human and plants). In
this chapter we outline the currently available resources that could be used for
the screening of viral and bacterial ncRNAs.