and miRNA sequences for both human and mouse (Table 1).Using context + score to assess polymorphic miRNA–mRNA interactions. In a recent update, TargetScan (31) introduced the context + score for selection of the most favorable target sites for miRNAs. Context + score evaluates the binding of miRNAs to the context of entire 3′-UTR of a gene by summing over contributions made by individual sites that have perfect sequence complementarities to the miRNA seed (2–8 bases from the 5′ of mature miRNA sequences). In the PolymiRTS database, we have included differences in context + scores caused by polymorphisms in miRNA target sites and in miRNA seed regions. A more negative context + score difference indicates an increased likelihood that the target site is disrupted or a new target site is created by the derived allele.Biological pathways. Biological pathways are widely used for illustrating the functional roles of genes and their interactions in biological processes. Polymorphisms in miRNA target sites and miRNA sequences may impact biological processes by affecting the posttranscriptional regulation of the target genes. For example, a SNP (rs5186) located in the binding site of miR-155 can change the expression of a target gene (AGTR1), which is associated with blood
