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Challenging Cellular Homeostasis: Spatial and Temporal Regulation of miRNAs

Naomi van Wijk1, Keren Zohar1, Michal Linial1

  • 1Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Cellular regulation involves microRNAs (miRNAs), which control gene expression. This review highlights how miRNA storage and movement impact cell dynamics and stress responses, revealing a crucial layer of biological control.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Mature microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.
  • Hundreds of miRNAs orchestrate vital cellular processes like development, apoptosis, and inflammation.
  • Current research often overlooks the spatial dynamics and accessibility of miRNAs within cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the underappreciated role of miRNA localization and translocation in cellular regulation.
  • To discuss how miRNA storage and accessibility influence cellular responses to stress.
  • To emphasize the significance of spatial and temporal miRNA regulation in cell fate determination.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes existing literature on miRNA processing, function, and cellular localization.
  • It analyzes studies investigating miRNA dynamics under various cellular conditions, including stress.
  • The review integrates findings on miRNA involvement in oxidative stress, tumorigenesis, viral infection, and synaptic plasticity.

Main Results:

  • Cellular regulation is influenced by the local storage and translocation of miRNAs between cellular compartments.
  • Changes in miRNA compactization and localization are observed under induced stress.
  • Shared physiological principles governed by miRNAs are evident across diverse conditions like oxidative stress and viral infections.

Conclusions:

  • Spatial and temporal regulation of miRNAs is critical for overall cell physiology.
  • Understanding miRNA dynamics beyond the cytosol is essential for comprehending their role in cell fate.
  • Considering miRNA accessibility and localization provides a more complete picture of their regulatory efficacy, especially under stress.
Keywords:
AgoP-bodiesRISCRNA degradationoxidative stresspre-miRNA processingstress granulestranslation controlviral infection

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