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Multi-parameter Measurement of the Permeability Transition Pore Opening in Isolated Mouse Heart Mitochondria
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Mechanisms of microRNA trafficking to mitochondria in the heart

Diego Quiroga1, Rachel Daniel2, Samarjit Das1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America.

Current Opinion in Physiology
|February 2, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial microRNAs (MitomiRs) regulate cardiac function and energy production. This review details their import into mitochondria and therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Mitochondrial Biology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key gene regulators.
  • Emerging evidence shows miRNAs function within mitochondria (MitomiRs).
  • MitomiRs impact cardiac energy metabolism and homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on MitomiR biogenesis and mitochondrial import.
  • To explore the roles of specific MitomiRs in cardiac tissue.
  • To discuss the therapeutic implications of MitomiRs in cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of miRNA biogenesis.
  • Analysis of mitochondrial import pathways (AGO2, TOM/TIM, PNPase).
  • Examination of specific MitomiRs (e.g., miR-181c, miR-210, miR-378, let-7b, miR-1).

Main Results:

  • Mitochondria contain and utilize functional miRNAs.
  • Specific proteins and complexes facilitate miRNA mitochondrial import.
  • Identified MitomiRs regulate oxidative phosphorylation, ATP production, and ROS balance.

Conclusions:

  • MitomiRs are crucial for cardiac mitochondrial function.
  • Understanding MitomiR import mechanisms is vital.
  • MitomiRs represent a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases.

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