Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that act as post-transcriptional gene regulators. They can inhibit target protein-coding genes, through repressing messenger RNA (mRNA) translation or promoting their degradation. miRNAs were initially found to be originated from nuclear genome and exported to cytosol; where they exerted most of their actions. More recently, miRNAs were found to be present specifically in mitochondria; even originated there from mitochondrial DNA, regulating in a direct manner genes coding for mitochondrial proteins, and consequently mitochondrial function. Since miRNAs are recognized as major players in several biological processes, they are being considered as a key to better understand, explain, and probably prevent/cure not only the pathogenesis of multifactorial diseases but also mitochondrial dysfunction and associated diseases. Here we review some of the molecular mechanisms purported for miRNA actions in several biological processes, particularly the miRNAs acting in mitochondria or in mitochondria-related mechanisms.
Highlights
MicroRNAs are short, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules (19–23 nucleotides) that act by post-transcriptional modulation of protein-coding genes, through repressing messenger RNA translation or promoting their degradation
The overexpression of miR-126 significantly reduced the protein expression of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (EGFL7) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells; transfection with a miR-126 mimic markedly suppressed cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell invasion and colony formation, while inducing cell apoptosis, which contrasted with the effects of transfection with an miR-126 inhibitor, demonstrating that miR-126 acts as a tumor suppressor and that it may so serve as a promising candidate for the treatment of OSCC [103]
It has been clearly reported that miRNAs play a critical role in regulating mitochondrial function, either under physiological and pathological conditions
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules (19–23 nucleotides) that act by post-transcriptional modulation of protein-coding genes, through repressing messenger RNA (mRNA) translation or promoting their degradation. MiRNAs are recognized as major players in almost every biological process such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and organogenesis [3], and these molecules can be transported between cells and tissues via circulation [4]. MiRNAs align and bind especially to 3'UTR sequences of their target genes and initiate either mRNA degradation or translational repression, resulting in reduced protein levels. These circulating miRNAs have been shown to participate in cell-to-cell communication [5], potentially contributing to disease progression. The involvement of miRNAs in mitochondrial metabolism, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), electron transport chain (ETC) components, lipid metabolism and metabolic disorders will be addressed, as well as miRNAs contribution for mitochondrial dynamics, aging and apoptosis regulation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call