The entire 3’-UTR of SGK1 was amplified from human genomic DNA using PCR with the primer sequences: forward, 5’-ATAGCTAGCACCCTGTTAGGGCTTG and reverse, 5’-ATATCTCGAGCAACGGCTCTGACTG. The 3’-UTR was inserted into pmiRGLO Luciferase miRNA Target Expression Vector (Promega) and the sequence was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Luciferase assays were conducted as previously reported following transfection with miRNA mimics or controls15 (link). β–Galactadase plasmid was co-transfected for normalization.