BACKGROUND: The function of microRNAs (miRNAs) depends on the binding of miRNAs 
to their target sequences in the 3'UTR of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which enhances 
the degradation of mRNAs and consequently, represses their expression. Single 
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the miRNA target sequences may affect or 
impair the binding of miRNAs. Studies have shown that SNPs in miRNA target sites 
(miR-TS-SNPs) have a great influence on diverse biological functions, including 
pharmacogenomics and disease susceptibilities in human.
METHODS: High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis was applied for investigating 
the allele frequencies of 3 miR-TS-SNPs (PLA2G2A, IL-16, and NOD2) in acute 
leukemia. We also compared the genotypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia 
patients at initial diagnosis and complete remission.
RESULTS: HRM analysis revealed 3 genotypes (both homozygous and heterozygous) in 
the 3 miR-TS-SNPs. The allele frequencies of all 3 miR-TS-SNPs were similar in 
normal individuals and patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. Most patients 
with acute lymphoblastic leukemia had the same genotypes at initial diagnosis 
and complete remission.
CONCLUSIONS: Large scale scanning of case-control studies for miR-TS-SNPs may 
contribute to the investigation of their roles and pathogenesis mechanisms in 
human diseases. Our study showed that HRM analysis can be an efficient tool for 
studies of miR-TS-SNPs.