Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
09:06

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

Published on: October 7, 2025

MicroRNAs as regulators of mitochondrial function: role in cancer suppression

Marco Tomasetti1, Jiri Neuzil2, Lanfeng Dong3

  • 1Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|September 11, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of mitochondrial function and metabolism. Modulating miRNA levels offers a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer and other diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Mitochondrial biology
  • Molecular oncology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Mitochondria are crucial for cellular homeostasis and apoptosis; their dysfunction is implicated in various diseases.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate mitochondrial signaling pathways, and their dysregulation is observed in cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of miRNAs in regulating mitochondrial bioenergetics and function.
  • To discuss miRNA-mediated modulation of metabolic pathways for tumor suppression.
  • To explore potential therapeutic applications of miRNAs in cancer and mitochondria-related diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on miRNA regulation of mitochondrial function.
  • Analysis of miRNA involvement in metabolic reprogramming in cancer.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting miRNAs.

Main Results:

  • MiRNAs regulate mitochondrial proteins encoded by nuclear genes and are found within mitochondria.
  • Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, influenced by miRNAs.
  • MiRNA modulation impacts mitochondrial activity and bioenergetics.

Conclusions:

  • MiRNAs are critical regulators of cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function.
  • Targeting miRNAs presents a novel therapeutic avenue for neoplastic and other mitochondria-related diseases.
  • Understanding miRNA-mitochondria interactions deepens insights into cancer biology and facilitates drug development.
Keywords:
CancerMicroRNAMitochondrionReprogramming of metabolismTCA cycle

More Related Videos

In Vivo Nanovector Delivery of a Heart-specific MicroRNA-sponge09:53

In Vivo Nanovector Delivery of a Heart-specific MicroRNA-sponge

Published on: June 15, 2018

Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library08:40

Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library

Published on: April 6, 2012

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...