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Mitochondrial miRNAs in diabetes: just the tip of the iceberg

Rohini Baradan1,2, John M Hollander3, Samarjit Das1

  • 1a Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|May 4, 2017
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate metabolic homeostasis. Newly identified mitochondrial miRNAs (MitomiRs) may play a role in metabolic disorders like diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of cellular processes, primarily acting in the cytoplasm.
  • Conventional miRNA function involves binding to mRNA 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) and inhibiting gene expression.
  • Dysregulation of these pathways is linked to metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the emerging role of mitochondrial miRNAs (MitomiRs) in cellular regulation.
  • To highlight the potential involvement of MitomiRs in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes mellitus.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent literature on miRNA detection technologies.
  • Analysis of studies identifying miRNAs within the mitochondrial compartment.
  • Examination of evidence for MitomiR function in gene regulation.

Main Results:

  • Small RNA detection technologies have identified miRNAs within mitochondria, termed MitomiRs.
  • MitomiRs have been shown to translocate into mitochondria and regulate gene expression.
  • Evidence suggests MitomiRs can bind to mitochondrial genes, influencing their regulation.

Conclusions:

  • MitomiRs represent a novel class of regulatory molecules within the cell.
  • The translocation and function of MitomiRs offer new insights into metabolic regulation.
  • MitomiRs are implicated as potential contributors to the development of metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus.
Keywords:
MitomiRdiabetesdiabètemetabolismmicroARN mitochondrialmitochondriamitochondrial microRNAmitochondriemitomiRmétabolisme

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